RECOLLECTIONS OF NETTLETON 



AND 



THE GREAT REVIVAL OF 1820, 



EECOLLECTIONS 



OF 



NETTLETON, 



AND THE 



GREAT REVIVAL OF 1820. 



BY REV. R, SMITH. 



ALBANY: 
PUBLISHED BY E. H. PEASE & CO. 

1848. 



r 



3 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1848, 

BY E. H. PEASE & CO., 

In the Clerk^s Office for the Northern District of New York. 



J . MUNSELI., >^IIINTER ^ 
ALBANY. 



/ 



RECOLLECTIONS, 



^ CHAPTER I. 

INTROD U CTOR Y. 

It was the opinion of a great man, 
'who had much to do with Revivals 
of Religion in this country, that the 
last great series commenced about 
the beginning of the present century. 
"They have never for a moment 
since ceased/' said he, and it was 
his expectation that they were to 
continue, until the opening of the 
millenial state of the world. 

"Whether these bright anticipa- 
tions of Dr. Griffin are to be realized 



or not, all will agree, it is believed, 
in the desirableness of such a dis- 
pensation ; and must allow, that in 
many of these movements, some of 
the greatest and most happy displays 
of the Divine benevolence, have 
been witnessed. At present, the 
special and simultaneous effasions 
of the Spirit seem measurably sus- 
pended, and it is the opinion of 
many, that, among other sins which 
have brought this dearth upon the 
churches, is to be reckoned the 
abuse of these special mercies. 

In these circumstances it seems 
desirable that there should be au- 
thentic collections of the most re- 
markable phenomena connected 
with those Revivals, while some 
remain who were privileged to wit- 
ness them, but when the principal 
actors are passed away. 



Of the former class is the writer 
of these Recollections ; and while 
he has not quite reached that period 
of life, when we are apt to suppose 
that " the former age" must neces- 
sarily be '^ better than the present/' 
(laudator temporis adi,) he is strongly 
and abidingly impressed with the 
belief, nevertheless, that for power 
and purity, we have had no such 
Revivals since, as those now con- 
templated. Perhaps it is not to be 
expected that we should. That 
would be a narrow view of Provi- 
dence, which should confine it to 
one mode of operation, even in so 
great a blessing as that of the gift 
of the Holy Spirit. But one mode 
surely may be less mixed with hu- 
man imperfection than another, and 
hence the benefit oi comparison. "We 
are to ''try the spirits," even in this 



8 

matter; and we feel, therefore, that 
we may be doing some service to the 
coming generation, as well as re- 
cording due acknowledgements to 
the goodness of God, by preserving 
these memorials while we can. We 
have witnessed and participated in 
other Revivals since : we hope yet 
to see many more; but for those of 
purity, power and permanency, we 
can never cease to look to the past, 
and with something like longing 
misgivings. While we would not 
undervalue any of God's acknow- 
ledged servants, living or dead, we 
are often ready to say of those who 
have passed away from the scenes 
now to be reviewed, 

''Those suns are set ! 0, rise 
Some other such, or all to come is empty boast 
Of old achievement, and despair of new." 



CHAPTER II. 



THE FIELD. 

The locality which we propose to 
eontemplate in these Secollections, 
is that of Saratoga County and its 
Ticinity, in the State of New York. 
The principal actor in these scenes 
had indeed been akeady engaged 
in similar labors for some eight 
years in Connecticut; great and 
happy results had followed his labors 
there, of which detailed accounts 
are given in his interesting Memoir. 
That Memoir has also glanced at 
the movement in Saratoga County. 
It was felt by the writer himself, 
however, to be but a meagre sketch 



10 

which was given ; and to more than 
one individual has it appeared, that 
something further extended, as well 
as more in detail, is due to this part 
of the wondrous work of God. 

To the writer of these notices — 
whose residence was then in the 
county, and has been with a brief 
exception, for the twenty-seven 
years that have since passed — this 
locality has seemed to have been 
the focus of that great cloud of 
mercy ; and he loves to contemplate 
the shower at first heard in the dis- 
tance — then nearingus; here ga- 
thering its most copious and benig- 
nant outpourings, and then passing 
off to water other fields, until only 
the bright and beautiful rainbow 
appeared, to tell where the blessing 
had been. 

This region comprises most of 



11 

I 

the towns in the southern part of 
Saratoga county: Schaghticoke, Pitts- 
ioivn, and Nassau, in Rensselaer coun- 
ty, together with Schenectady, Prince- 
town, Amsterdam, and some minor 
places on the Mohawk river. Most of 
these places, particularly those in 
Saratoga county, were settled by an 
intelligent, and to a considerable 
extent, a New England population. 
They were principally Presbyterians 
or Congregationalists; but many, 
particularly those on the Mohawk 
river, were of Dutch origin ; and all, 
in general, attached to the order, 
and other benefits" of religious insti- 
tutions. As long since, as before the 
revolutionary war, a Presbyterian 
congregation had been gathered at 
Ballston, which took its name from 
their first pastor. A Congregational 
church emigrated to Stillwater^ from 



12 

some part of Connecticut, bringing 
the materials of their meeting house 
with them. A flourishing college 
had already existed for some thirty- 
years at Schenectady, and which, 
it will be seen, shared largely in 
this religious movement. Many 
excellent men had lived and died, 
supplying these churches; and some 
of them were no strangers to Revi- 
vals of Religion. Some of the pul- 
pits were now vacant ; one congre- 
gation (afterwards greatly favored,) 
had been organized recently; and 
in another place, great desolations 
had supervened a former church or- 
ganization. Thus, while a good de- 
gree of religious order existed, it 
was, in general,what might be called 
a low and barren state in the church- 
es of this region. 

It was in this locality then, and 



13 

in such a state of things, that the 
visitation of mercy, of which we 
are to speak, reached us. It was, 
indeed, a timely visitation. Long 
did we rejoice in it; and ''if a 
drought has since succeeded," or 
other characteristics have attached 
to some partial movements which 
have been experienced, we will still 
rejoice in whatever good any of 
them have yielded, and labor in our 
measure to promote a return of these 
heavenly blessings. 

It is proper to add here, that as 
most of these churches were eccle- 
siastically connected with the Pres- 
bytery of Albany, that body publish- 
ed an official narrative of the work, 
to which we shall frequently have 
occasion to refer in these chapters. 
But that narrative was necessarily 

brief, and often formal and statisti- 

2 



14 

cal. Our object is something more 
than this. It is to give facts indeed, 
and such as are reliable; but we 
aim to awaken popular interest also. 
We shall therefore give incidents 
and their aspects, principles and 
inferences from them, specimens 
and examples, and sometimes also 
our own passing impressions ; and 
we have ventured to hope from all 
this, such a retrospect of God's ways, 
as may be profitable to read, as it 
certainly has been to the writer to 
record. 



CHAPTER III. 



THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 
WORK. 

The commeDcement of the Re- 
vival we are noticing, may be said 
to have been in the latter part of 
the summer of 1819. But even here 
we speak of development, rather 
than of origin. JBelieving as we do, 
that here, as in the Spirit's work of 
Regeneration, the beginning of a 
true Revival is secret, or but seldom 
traced. Indeed, it will be found 
characteristic of this Revival, and 
one of its best marks, that when 
God's servants were awakened to 
the use of special means for pro- 



16 

moting it, they often found that the 
Spirit had already '' gone out before 
them." 

This seems to have been the case, 
in the earliest encouragements 
which were noticed in Pittstown, on 
the eastern side of the Hudson river. 
A beloved brother, then stationed 
at Stillwater, had his attention di- 
rected to this place, as early as 
August, 1819, and bestowed his la- 
bors of love there, with much suc- 
cess. Crowded assemblies were 
every where seen, whether in school 
rooms or in the sanctuary, at week 
services, or on the Sabbath. It was 
evident the Spirit of the Lord was 
already '^poured out." ''Many 
pricked in their hearts," says the 
Presbyterial narrative, '' were en- 
quiring what they must do to be 
saved ? and fleeing to the only hope 



17 

of the wretched, were finding in 
Him, everlasting security, joy and 
peace." 

These results greatly quickened 
the spirit of this faithful brother, 
enlarged his efforts, and ultimately 
led to the commencement of the 
still greater work among his own 
people. In a review of this part of 
the field, it is the opinion of this 
brother, that "four hundred conver- 
sions took place in the circle of 
Stillwater, Schaghticoke, Saratoga, 
Easton, and Pittstown." Churches 
were formed, and several ministers 
settled as the sequel of that work. 
" When these things were noised 
abroad," and reported at ecclesias- 
tical meetings, they were as life to 
the dead, in many minds, and the 
brethren returned from these con- 
vocations, to make like efforts, and 

9* 



18 

find to their surprise, the work aU 
ready begun among their own people. 
We have deemed it important to 
dwell thus distinctly upon this first 
stage of the Revival, for reasons al- 
ready mentioned. The work was 
found, not produced by man's efforts. 
The cloud was first seen hanging 
over these places, and thence ex- 
tended itself in the use of appropri- 
ate means, as we shall see, to many 
others. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE PRINCIPAL INSTRUMENT. 

But before proceeding farther in 
the history of these movements, it 
seems proper to give some account 
of the Principal Instrument, And 
here, no one conversant with this 
Revival, v^ill hesitate to name the 
Rev, Asahel Nettleion, of Connecticut, 
whose Memoir, by Dr. Tyler, is now 
before the public. Most of the other 
actors in these scenes, were young 
and inexperienced men. That in- 
dividual is now dead, and cannot 
be affected by any opinions which 
may be formed concerning him, fa- 
vorable or unfavorable. We are 



20 

free to say, therefore, that we look 
upon Mr. Nettleton as specially 
raised up by Providence, for con- 
ducting a great and pure Revival of 
Religion, and that taking him alto- 
gether, he was at the time we speak 
of, the best qualified of any man 
we have known, for such a service. 
His theological education had not 
been extensive, but his theology, 
formed as it was on his own atten- 
tive study of the Bible, and his spe- 
cial observation of the work of the 
Spirit^ was as safe, perhaps, as any 
which could now be found. 

His system was that which has 
technically been called old fashioned 
New England orthodoxy, to which, 
in all its relations, he strenuously 
adhered through life. 

But it is not so much as a theo- 
logian we wish now to speak of Mr. 



21 

Nettleton, as of his practical piety, 
and as an eminent promoter of Re- 
vivals of Religion. For this last he 
was evidently raised np and quali- 
fied. His mind was discriminating 
and wonderfully self-possessed. No- 
thing uncentered him: he seemed 
never taken by surprise ; but to per- 
ceive and to do just what you after- 
wards saw to be required, was as 
it were, intuitive, or rather ''given 
him in that hour." 

An example may be given. Mr. 
Nettleton, while -faithful and zeal- 
ous for the doctrines of grace, and 
preaching them plainly on proper 
occasions, was opposed to being 
drawn into public controversy. It 
was sometimes attempted to do this, 
and it happened on one occasion, 
that two individuals came to his 
meeting expressly to entrap him. 



22 

So they introduced themselves to 
him after service, as anxious inqui- 
rers. They said they had heard 
him that evening with much inte- 
rest, and must acknowledge the sub- 
ject he had recommended to them, 
to be important, very important; 
indeed they felt anxious to know 
more about it. But there were cer- 
tain difficulties of doctrine^ which yet 
embarrassed their minds, and they 
trusted that he, as a religious teacher 
could enlighten them. They hoped 
he would pardon the intrusion; but 
they were truly anxious to know 
his views of — of — ; in short the 
great subject of inquiry was the 
doctrine of predestination and election! 
From their peculiar manner, Mr. 
Nettleton had long since perceived 
that their object was to get some 
remarks from him, which they could 



23 

report, in their own way to others, 
while being alone, it would be im- 
practicable to correct their state- 
ments. But he was not to be thus 
entangled ; so he answered, calmly, 
as they drew along into the vesti- 
bule, '' It is true, gentlemen, religion 
is an important subject, and parti- 
cularly so to you. If, as you say, 
you are anxious, it is a critical and 
infinitely important time in your 
lives. The subject of the doctrines 
on whicK you enquire, is also seri- 
ous — very serious ; and if you are 
to study it, it is highly important 
that you should study by the use of 
the best helps. Permit me, gentle- 
men, to recommend for this purpose, 
a certain book. It is a book I have 
read some, and I have great confi- 
dence in its views of these subjects. 
It is a very good book — very able 



24 

and entirely to be relied on, in my 
view; I advise you to get it, per- 
haps it may relieve your minds. 
Gentlemen/' said he, drawing near 
to them, in an emphatic whisper, 
''that book is the Bible! that book 
is the Bible! Good night, gentle- 
men!" It is believed they never 
troubled him again, 

Mr. Nettleton, at the time of visit- 
ing us, might be about thirty-five 
years of age. He was in poor health, 
and not of prepossessing personal 
appearance or manners. Though 
courteous, he was reserved, and so 
entirely controlled by judgment ra- 
ther than emotion, that some would 
have pronounced him austere. Yet 
he had evidently much natural 
emotion, and when it was awakened 
by appropriate and worthy occasions 
it could almost carry him away. 



We remember hearing an instance, 
when reading in his room, there 
was reported to him the joyful con- 
version of a man on wliom lie had 
much set his affections. Mr. Net- 
tleton rose from his chair, and hurled 
his book across the room in unut- 
terable intensity of feeling. 

His talent, as a preacher, being 
rather of the reasoning and discri- 
minating character, the almost uni- 
form first report was, that he was 
not eloquent. So in the usual accep- 
tation of the word, perhaps he was 
not. But if eloquence consists in 
the power of holding attention, and 
deeply impressing human minds, 
then was Mr. Nettleton eloquent, 
and at times, beyond almost any 
man we have ever known. His 
slowness, his repetitions, and his 
careful discrimination, all had re- 



26 

ference to an object, and that he sel- 
dom failed to reach, sometimes in 
irresistible and overwhelming re- 
sults. 

The great secret of the power in 
this extraordinary man, has seemed 
to us to have consisted in these fol- 
lowing things. His own deep reli- 
gious experience : his clear conceptions 
of divine truth, as taught by the Bi- 
ble, and his own observation of the 
Spirit's work: his knowledge of human 
nature : his self command, and quick 
perception of right expedients, accord- 
ing to the occasion. 

So manifest was his holy sincerity 
at the time we knew this man, as 
to impress the beholder at first with 
a sort of awe. His prayers, for the 
same reason, were short and hesi- 
tating, as if afraid of saying too 
much before God ; and so humble 



27 

was his hope, that we have heard 
it related, as among his last sayings, 
that he considered it barely possible 
that such as he should be saved. 

Mr. Nettleton's views of divine 
truth, and its applications, were, as 
we have said, very clear. Yet did 
they not resolve themselves into ab- 
stract or exclusive propositions. No 
man was further from what has 
been called the one idea propensity. 
We remember a young clergyman 
once to have asked instructions of 
him, as to the b"est manner of visit- 
ing and conversing with sinners? 
''The greatest difficulty is," said 
he, " in feeling right yourself; ^^ and 
he had no rule to give him. Simi- 
lar to this was the result of an in- 
terview that a company of us con- 
trived to have with him one after- 
noon, the great object of which was 



2S 

to get the results of his own expe- 
rience on these subjects. He came 
indeed, but we could get him to 
say but very little. ''Few general 
propositions," he said, ''could be 
laid down on such a subject. Prin- 
ciples v/ere indeed of importance, 
and facts were to be observed, but 
these every one must study and at- 
tend to for himself" 

"When he did speak or advise, 
however, it was always in wisdom ; 
it was open and honest, and no 
uninspired man, it is believed, has 
made fewer mistakes. Let this 
be judged of by a few examples. 
Mr. Nettleton considered it not pro- 
fitable to have many preachers in a 
Revival. If he were not well ac- 
quainted, or had not entire confi- 
dence in the fitness of a man, he 
would suffer himself to appear al- 



29 

most rude, rather than invite him 
to preach. ^' Now," said he, in the 
presence of a good father who had 
been introduced to him one evening 
just before going to the church; 
" here is another good brother, and 
I suppose he thinks I must invite 
him to preach." So anxious was 
he to have the most entire stillness 
in an audience, that we have known 
him to spend a full half hour in 
getting them seated, and then, in 
some cases, to request them not to 
attempt to rise during the offering 
up of prayer. He was so far from 
relying on mere sympathy in religious 
awakening, that he seemed rather 
to be afraid of it, and he once sepa- 
rated two bosom friends who had 
taken their room together under 
convictions, lest they should too 
much operate upon each other. 



30 

He loatched his opportunities, and 
seldom attempted to speak to a per- 
son on the subject of personal reli- 
gion, when surrounded with noise, 
or distracted with the cares of a 
family ; but meeting a poor woman 
of these circumstances one day on 
the road, he said a few solemn words 
to her, pointed to a grove she was 
about to enter, and went on. She 
took the hint, and there alone, and 
in solemn prayer, committed her 
soul to God, and found a hope of 
salvation. 

One of the peculiarities of Mr. 
Nettleton's dealings with sinners, 
was in his almost uniformly aiming 
to destroy false confidence, to pluck 
away their props, as he would call 
it, and bring them to immediate sub- 
mission. A woman in an anxious 
meeting, was in a great conflict 



31 

and such was her distress, that she 
actually sunk upon the flooi'. *'Ma- 
dam," said Mr. Nettleton, ''it is 
evident the spirit is strivi»^^ with 
you, and you must submit, ^^ '' O, I 
cannot — I dare not," and she utter- 
ed a shriek that brought into the 
room another clergyman, to whom 
she made the same appli<;ation. 
" O, Mr. G /' said the poor crea- 
ture, '' what shall I do ? Must I fsub- 
niit?" Mr. G had been in- 
structed in the same school; he saw 
instantly how the case stood, and 
answered tenderly, but firmly and 
solemnly, "Yes, madam, you must'^ 
She was utterly overcome, fell into 
spasms, was carried by her female 
friends into another room, and laid 
upon a bed. In a few minutes she 
was rejoicing, and the first exhorta- 
tion she gave was, as she flunf< her- 



32 

self upon the neck of her husband — 
an unconverted man — " O, my dear 
husband, you must suhmit, you must 
submit." Can there be any doubt 
that in this case submission was the 
proper direction, and that to have 
given any other would perhaps have 
been fatal. 

Mr. Nettleton seemed to rely en- 
tirely on the work of the Spirit. So 
jealous, so fearful was he when he 
discovered that a people or indivi- 
dual were trusting to human instru- 
ments, that we would seem at times 
to be actually rude in disappoint- 
ing them. He tore himself away 
from a place on one occasion, when 
there were more than a hundred 
supposed to be under convictions. 
A distressed woman who heard of 
his departure, exclaimed that ''he 
was as bad as Satan, for he had 



33 

come there only to torment them, 
and then left them to do as they 
could." Poor woman; she soon 
learned to her joy, to resort to a 
better helper. For similar reasons 
he would never urge an attendance 
on the anxious meetings, (as they 
were called,) but if any were found 
to be truly serious, and manifested 
a desire for such a privilege, it was 
managed in an unostentatious man- 
ner to have them invited. 

His manner of conducting these 
meetings, was to go round and 
speak to each individual present, in 
a tone so low as not to be heard by 
others, to give a word of pointed 
exhortation, and close all by solemn 
prayer- There was seldom singing 
in these meetings, all was solemn, 
still, and reflective, and if an im- 
proper person was found to have in- 



34 

truded himself, Mr. Nettleton knew 
how to dispose of him. 

A young man of infidel principles 
had crept into one of these meetings, 
avowdly for the purpose of making 
diversion, or to see what he could 
find to report. Mr. Nettleton had 
the good fortune to be informed of 
this, but took no notice of it, until 
having opened the meeting with 
prayer; he proceeded in the usual 
manner, till he came to this young 
man, when the following or a simi- 
lar conversation ensued. 

*' "Well, my young friend, do you 
feel as if you wanted religion ? " 

" No, sir; / did not come here to 
be catechized, sir ! " 

^'Well, you don't want religion 
you say, but you believe you have 
a soul, do you not ? " 

" I don't know how that may 



35 

be. Yes ! Every body believes as 
much as that, I suppose ; but I say, 
sir, I didn't come here to be cate- 
chized." 

''Well, you have a soul then, 
and you sin sometimes, I suppose. 
There is such a thing as sinning, is 
there not?" 

'' I don't know how that is; but, 
I say, sir — " 

Mr. N. interrupting him. '^ Don't 
know whether there is any such 
thing as sin, or not! You believe 
there is a God?" - 

"Yes, I suppose so; any body 
may admit that ; but I tell you what 
it is, sir, I didn't come here to be 
questioned in this way. I — I — 
(and he began to look as if he would 
gladly have been any where else,) 
I expect to be treated — like — a 
gentleman! " But even this could 
not save him. 



36 

" You say then you believe there 
is a God, and He rules the world 
I suppose, and is just and good, and 
yet there is suffering in the world ; 
and you don't know whether there 
is any such thing as sin or not! 
Young man!" said Mr. N. turning 
terribly upon him, and laying a 
heavy hand upon his knee, ''young 
man, I understand you perfectly, 
and I knew your business here from 
the beginning. You are an infidel! 
And now I tell you what you have 
before you to do. You have to 
prove that Jesus Christ was an im- 
poster, or you will be damned ! Jesus 
says, 'He that believeth not, shall 
be damned.' You do not believe, 
and you must prove that Jesus 
Christ was an imposter, or you will 
be' damned." The young gentle- 
man took his hat and left; and Mr. 



37 

Nettleton had onlv to calm the ao^i- 
tated meeting, by remarking-, ''You 
see how weak poor infidelity is." 

"We will exhibit a few more items 
of Mr. Nettie ton's views on particu- 
lar subjects. 

He did not approve of much or pro- 
miscuous speaking in religious meet- 
ings. Although glad to avail him- 
self of approved gifts in others, he 
did not encourage much speaking 
by young converts, unless it was to 
relate their experience, and that 
after a previous interview with 
them. 

He was very careful to guard 
against contradictory instructions to 
anxious sinners^ by those who under- 
took to direct them. "Suppose a 
parent should be correcting a child, 
and exhorting it to submit, but the 
other parent should come into the 



38 

room and seem to take the child's 
part, how fatal would such a course 
he to the object had in view in cor- 
recting him." 

He did not encourage very frequent 
meetings. Generally he preached 
twice or thrice on the Sabbath, and 
once more in the course of the 
week. The remainder was devoted 
to the inquiry meeting, and visiting 
from house to house. More private 
prayer-meetings were also encou- 
raged; the aid of females in this 
way, was highly valued by him. 

Mr. Nettleton never countenanced 
the early admission of young converts 
to church membership^ but thought 
much of training them and watch- 
ing over them for a season, as can- 
didates for this privilege. 

Mr. Nettleton, never interfered with, 
hut abvays encouraged and strengthened 



39 

the bonds of the regular pastors of the 
churches. We believe it may be 
said safely, that of the many whom 
he visited and labored for in this 
region, not one lost influence, or ivas 
dismissed in consequence of such visit. 
We may add, that we cannot re- 
member a single instance where a 
division was left in the churches. 

He never approved of special ef- 
forts, to produce a religious excitement; 
on the contrary, he aimed only to 
follow where theLord led the way, 
enjoining of course, the discharge of 
duty at all times. So jealous was 
he in this respect, that he would 
not visit a place where he feared 
they were relying upon him. In- 
deed we have heard him say, that 
he could not labor where there was 
not already some religious feeling. 
Yet he did, on urgent solicitation, 



40 

sometimes visit a place on a sort of 
trial. We remember one such, 
where he preached, and preached 
earnestly, for a few times. They 
heard him, but that was all, and he 
left them saying*, it was of no use 
to stay, since it was evident that 
Christians there could not be brought 
up to their duty. 

It only remains that we add a few 
things of Mr. Nettleton, as a preacher, 
and here we shall gladly avail our- 
selves of what is so well said in his 
Memoir, as to leave but little for en- 
largement or alteration. 

''He was not what is usually 
called a popular speaker. There 
was nothing particularly captivat- 
ing in his voice, his style, or his de- 
livery — nothing to make you ad- 
mire the man or his writing, or in 
any way to divert your attention 



41 

from the truths which he uttered." 
Never indeed has it been our privi- 
lege to hear the truth, the truth itself, 
without any reference to a thought 
of the man, to commend itself, as 
at his hand. And this was evidently 
his great aim. With him apparently 
Christ was every thing, and himself 
nothing. You almost forgot that 
there was any such being as man 
in the pulpit, while naked truth in 
all its unadorned majesty and sweet- 
ness came flowing down from the 
place. 

''When he began to speak, there 
was a benignant solemnity in his 
countenance, which awed the most 
thoughtless, while at the same time 
it excited an unwonted desire to 
hear what he had to say. He al- 
ways commenced on a low key, 
enunciating every word and sylla* 



42 

ble distinctly, and frequently repeat- 
ing a leading sentence to make it 
better remembered. So simple were 
his sentences, so plain and una- 
dorned his style, and so calm his 
delivery, that for a few moments 
you might have thought him dull, 
and sometimes common place. As 
he advanced, and his heart grew 
warm, and his conceptions vivid, 
his voice caught the inspiration, his 
face shone, his whole physical frame 
seemed to dilate," and there were 
times when he was awfully over- 
whelming. Men held their breath, 
and the audience moved slowly 
away, not to talk of the preacher, 
but to meditate, to read, and to 
pray. His sermon on the Flight of 
Lot out of Sodom, has probably sel- 
dom been excelled for solemn im- 
pressiveness and lasting efiect. 



43 

He preached the whole truth, yet 
not the whole on any one occasion, 
or without regard to times and sea- 
sons. On the great subjects of 
Man's duty and God's sovereignty, for 
instance, he was wont to exhibit the 
first, very strongly in his early ad- 
dresses to sinners, " and now," said 
he, " if they become awakened, I 
can tell them their dependence, and 
hold them up to the doctrine of 
God's sovereignty, as long as I 
please." 

So of choosing his other subjects. 
He frequently selected precisely 
those that were the opposite of what 
he supposed would he expected; and 
this for the purpose undoubtedly of 
making a more profitable impres- 
sion. In fine, Mr. Nettleton was 
evidently a peculiar man, a wise 

master-builder, and unusually fur- 



44 

nislied to that post of his Lord's ser- 
vice, to which he was called. He 
was deeply pious; he loved the 
truth ; he loved the souls of men ; 
he prayed, read his Bible, and re- 
flected much on what he saw, and 
he was divinely directed, beyond 
all doubt, to his great and eminent 
success. We are by no means dis- 
posed to claim for him an exemp- 
tion from human imperfection; he 
was as far as any one from claiming 
this for himself But taking him 
all in all, and for the times in which 
he lived, we do believe that no light 
has since arisen, of equal splendor, 
and that no principles or measures 
essentially differing from his, can 
be expected to succeed as well. 

Such as he was, approved or dis- 
approved, we have now exhibited 
him, and as far as possible from his 
own sayings and acts. 



45 

Other leaders, and other eminent 
helpers there were in the same 
great work. Some of them are still 
living, but it is believed they will be 
disposed to regard themselves as dis- 
ciples, at that time ; and however, 
they may have been prospered since 
— agree in regarding our deceased 
evangelist, as the great instrument of 
the Revival (/ 1819-20. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK. 

We propose now to follow the 
progress of this great movement, 
and its order of advancement, so 
far as it can be traced from place 
to place, and 

At Saratoga Springs. Mr. Net- 
tleton came to this place for his 
health, in July or August of 1819, 
evidently intending to remain in 
obscurity, as he was much worn 
down by his recent labors in Con- 
necticut. He was induced, how- 
ever, to visit Malta, eight miles to 



47 

the south, where it would seem that 
some tokens of the Spirit's presence 
had been manifested already, and 
here, at a private house, were his 
first labors, in a town so greatly fa- 
vored afterwards, as we shall see. 

From thence he returned to the 
Springs, but all was apparently yet 
dead or dying in the spiritualities 
of this place. '' Those who are ac- 
quainted with the character of this 
village, as a watering place," says 
an esteemed correspondent, to 
whom we are indebted for much of 
this account, '' are not prepared to 
expect any seriousness here during 
the gay and fashionable season. 
The Presbyterian church here, had 
commenced with nine members, 
only two years before, and was now 
under the care of the late Rev. D. 
O. Griswold. In 1819 it had in- 



48 

creased to twenty-two members; 
most of this number, however, had 
been received by letter, and no spe- 
cial out-pouring of the Holy Spirit 
had thus far been experienced. In 
the midst of this coldness and 
gaiety, Mr. Nettleton came amongst 
us like any other stranger, though 
in a very unobtrusive manner. He 
commenced preaching in a school- 
house, in the latter part of August, 
and did not officiate in the church 
until some weeks afterwards. I 
well recollect the impression which 
this produced on me at the time. I 
had not then heard or seen him. 
But understanding that a stranger 
had selected a school-house instead 
of the church, for evening lectures, 
I inferred that he considered him- 
self too inferior in talents to be 
placed in contact with several 



49 

popular preachers who were then 
in the village. Still I had been 
urged by a pious old lady to hear 
him, in company with her son, 
who was my personal friend. This 
we resisted for a time, but at length, 
to gratify her, more than for any 
thing else, we attended an evening 
lecture. I was surprised to find 
the house so much crowded, but 
there was nothing in the appearance 
or manner of the preacher, which 
was calculated at first to arrest 
my attention. His text was at 
Heb., xi, 16 — '^ or profane person, as 
Esau, who for one morsel of meat, 
sold his birth-right." His method 
of introducing it, was somewhat 
startling. Bat I sunk down into a 
state of indifference, for the time 
being. I thought the preacher had 
too naany repetitions — that his 



50 

language was not of that high or- 
der which I had oftentimes heard 
and admired, and that he was far 
from being an eloquent man. Soon, 
however, I lost sight of all this, and 
found that he was depicting my own 
case! and that, like Esau, /had sold 
my birth-right ! I felt the full force 
of his reasoning, and for the first 
time in some years, was greatly 
alarmed. 

At the close of his sermon, and 
before dismissing his audience, he 
cited a case which had come under 
his own observation, where one who 
had evidently despised her birth- 
right, by slighting the warnings of 
the gospel, had suddenly sickened, 
and died, without hope. The so- 
lemn manner in which this was 
related, produced an overwhelming 
effect. There was not a dry eye in 



51 

the house; and I doubt whether 
there was one present, not already 
a believer, who did not resolve fronj 
that time to seek an interest in 
Christ. Certain it is that many- 
dated tlieir first serious impressions 
from that evening. 

My friend and myself walked si- 
lently from the place for some dis- 
tance, before speaking, each being 
afraid to address the other, (as it 
was afterwards ascertained,) lest a 
serious remark should excite ridi- 
cule. At length an encouraging 
word from one, broke the silence of 
both. We walked, arm in arm, for 
two hours, and before separating, 
had solemnly pledged ourselves to 
each other, that we would, from 
that moment, earnestly seek an in- 
terest in Christ. The next morning 
I called on Mr. Nettleton, expecting 



52 

from him words of comfort, and 
that direction which I so much 
needed. But he scarcely replied to 
me, except to say that I must re- 
pent. This, at the time, seemed 
unkind; but I afterwards learned 
that it was the course he frequently 
adopted with the awakened sinner. 
He took away, if possible, every 
earthly prop, and merely pointed 
" to the Lamb of God, who taketh away 
the sin of the world '^^ 

From that time forward, all the 
meetings were crowded and solemn. 
There was no tumult, no noise. 
Every thing was still, though every 

* Was this a proof of want of emotion, as 
has heen sometimes charged upon Mr. Net- 
tleton ? It may be told in answer, that this 
writer is the individual on hearing of whose 
conversion, Mr. N. threw the hook across the 



53 

mind seemed filled with the mag- 
nitude of the work, which was go- 
ing forward. There were a few 
opposers; but their opposition seem- 
ed rather to increase than diminish 
the convictions of others. 

"'Behold how great a matter a little 
fire kindleth ! " The work thus com- 
mencing, continued, and principally 
under Mr. Nettleton's preaching, for 
some months. The whole number 
who dated their conversion from 
this Revival, was about eighty. In 
general they have continued stead- 
fast, intelligent Christians. A large 
number of Evangelical churches 
have grown up with the growth of 
that important place, and ail of 
them, it is believed, more or less, 
taking character from this early and 
powerful work of grace. 



54 

At Malta. Incipient develop- 
ments had occurred here, as we 
have seen, on Mr. Nettleton's first 
visit. Encouraged by these indica- 
tions, these few faitliful brethren 
had sustained their meetings, and 
"in October a licentiate from the 
PresbyteryofNewYork came among- 
them, whose preaching and other 
labors were greatly blessed. Two 
students from the Theological Se- 
minary at Princeton, also labored 
among them, so that on the 26th of 
October, there was a little church 
collected, consisting of twenty-four 
members, most of them recent con- 
verts to the faith of Christ." (See 
Presbyterial Narrative.) 

From this time Mr. Nettleton la- 
bored here statedly for about eight 
months, with occasional visits to 
other places, and no where else per- 



55 

'haps, in this whole field, were more 
demonstrations given of the mighty 
power of God. " It was but a little 
while, until weeping and anxious 
distress were found in almost every 
house. The habitations of sin, the 
haunts of intemperance, the strong 
holds of error, the retreats of Phari- 
saic pride, and the entrenchments 
of self-righteousness, were equally 
penetrated by the power of the Holy 
Ghost." '• Often and anxiously was 
the inquiry now made; ichat shall 
ive do to be saved? During three 
weeks the awakening spread over 
different parts of the town, and be- 
came almost universal. ''Every 
house exhibited the solemnity of a 
continued Sabbath. So profound 
Avas the stillness, that a recent death 
could have added nothing to it, in 
many families. Common conver- 



56 

sation was rarely engaged in, and 
every ear was open to hear the gos- 
pel." AVithin the year, about one 
hundred were added to the Presby- 
terian church m this place; how 
many to the other churches, we have 
not yet the means of knowing; but 
it was quite considerable. These 
converts have in general remain- 
ed steadfast, and grown in grace. 
The church has since experienced 
changes, it is true, but it is remark- 
able that amidst all their trials and 
mutations, and while individuals 
have in a few instances ''made 
shipwreck of faith," there has ever 
appeared something which could 
not be removed; much of which 
was evidently acquired during this 
visitation. 

It was also from Malta, more than 
from any other point, that the tid 



57 

ings of this grace were "sounded 
out" to adjoining places. Christians 
came to admire and to participate, 
and then returned to carry back the 
sacred influence to their homes. 
The sacred flame thus ran from 
town to town, and sometimes to 
distant places. The Revival at 
Nassau, fourteen miles east of Al- 
bany, had a connection of this sort, 
which was truly remarkable, but 
which cannot here be related. 

It is in remembering this part of 
the happy work "of 1820, that we 
feel disposed to exclaim often : 

" scenes surpassing fable, and yet true !'' 

They come before us in the recol- 
lection of crowded school-rooms, 
animated with up-turned human 
faces, and hushed as the silence of 
death; in the figure of a grave and 
humble preacher, exhorting us " to 



58 

be as still as possible;" while aw- 
ful and soul-piercing truths were 
moving us as the trees of the forest 
are moved by mighty winds. Here 
we remember the forest-girdled 
church also, whose packed and half- 
finished walls seemed ready to burst 
from the pressure within; or here, 
the busy and anxious sleigh loads, 
hurrying from, far and near ; or here, 
ihe private prayer-meeting, with 
anxious souls refusing to be torn 
away when the exercises were over; 
or there we follow home the solemn 
rejoicing group, and witness con- 
gratulations, such as may not be de- 
scribed, '' such as Heaven looked 
down to see." 

We do not mean to intimate that 
these scenes were uniform, or alto- 
gether unmixed. Trials and diffi- 
culties would intervene of course, 



59 

and shades come, at times, over 
our brightest prospects. But we 
mean to say, that fewer occasions 
of sorrovv^ and regret occurred in 
connection with this Revival, than 
any other we have known ; that it 
was long continued and powerful, 
and in many of its scenes it was 
most touching and God-glorifying, 
like what may be expected in that 
great day hereafter, when a revolted 
world shall return with weeping 
and rejoicing unto the Lord. 

We may mention as illustrating 
the spirit of zeal in this work, that 
a distinguished fellow laborer, whose 
other duties confined him during 
the week at Union College, has been 
known to gather his sleigh load of 
pious students, on Sabbath morning, 
ride eighteen miles, preach three 
times, and return before he slept. 



60 

At Stillwater. The commence- 
ment of the work here has been in- 
timated ah^eacly. When the beloved 
brother told his people of the won- 
ders which he had witnessed at 
Pittstown, a deep impression was 
made, and ministers and people 
gave themselves to prayer, publicly 
and privately. Nor did they seek 
the Lord in vain. "A deep solem- 
nity spread over the whole commu- 
nity, (in the words of the Presbyte- 
rial Narrative,) and every where 
meetings were crowded. Some were 
deeply impressed with a sense of 
sin, and fully convinced of their 
need of an interest in Christ. Sin- 
ners from a distance came fo hear 
the gospel,' and hung on the lips of 
the preacher as though they heard 
for their lives. Such was the state 
of things down to the beginning of 



61 

October, (18 19,) when their pastor 
having attended the annual meet- 
ing of the Synod of Albany, which 
held its session at Cherry Valley, 
returned home, and with a heart 
overflowing, recounted to his people 
the wonders of grace, which God 
was doing in Cooperstown, New 
Hartford, Utica, &c., and noticing 
God's mercy to their neighbors in 
Malta, warned and admonished 
them of their danger and their duty. 
His exhortationwas brought home 
by the Holy Spirit, in demonstration 
and power. It was sealed upon 
every heart, it seized upon every 
conscience. 

'' The Bible class and the Sunday 
schools were deeply affected. They 
felt the first influences of God's 
spirit. Many of them soon became 
reconciled unto God; meetings be- 



62 

came more frequent, full, crowded ! 
In the course of a few days, the 
Spirit was poured out on several 
neighborhoods, on families of every 
habit. The benign influence spread 
over into Schaghticoke, where at a 
single lecture, preached by the pas- 
tor of Stillwater, between thirty and 
forty v/ere awakened ! And so did 
it flourish there, that in a little 
while almost that whole number 
were rejoicing in hope. 

" In the north part of Stillwater, 
where the means of grace were sel- 
dom enjoyed, the work of the Lord 
commenced, and became very pow- 
erful. Scarcely one family was 
passed over. In a large district, 
though harrassed by sectarian con- 
tentions, where praying families 
were very rarely found, there was 
soon scarcely one house where 



63 

prayer was not wont to be made ; 
where sacrifice and a pure offering 
were not daily offered up to God ! 
Many whole families, young and 
old, every soul, were hopefully con- 
verted to Christ. But, in the village^ 
God's power was most conspicuous. 
Many of the inhabitants were of the 
most hopeless kind — boatmen, tip- 
plers, tavern-h aunters, gamblers, 
gain-sayers, infidels, and atheists — 
were mingled and mixed with the 
unholy multitude. The Avays of 
Zion languished, because few came 
to her solemn feasts. There were 
many who lived in the village, who 
scarcely ever attended in the house 
of God, or in any other visible way 
acknowledged his supremacy. They 
were literallv stout-hearted, and far 
from righteousness, without God 
and without hope in the world ; and 



64 

yet (we cannot refrain from ascrib- 
ing glory to God in the highest,) this 
multitude, bad and unblessed as it 
was, felt the power of the Holy 
Ghost, and yielded to His influence, 
and received the gospel of His grace 
gladly, and submitted themselves to 
Him, whose right it is to reign, and 
in whom all the families of the earth 
are blessed. We dare not descend 
to parti CLilars here. The narrative 
would fill a volume. Our limits 
will not suffer us to do more than 
simply state, that whether the Lord 
moved among the most pure in 
morals and manners, or among the 
most polluted in heart and life ; as 
soon as the eye saw that it was God, 
the heart felt its own pollutions, and 
abhorred itself in dust and ashes, 
and trembled at the Lord's word. 
Fearfulness seized upon the hypo- 



65 

crite ; the careless, the scoffer, and 
sceptic alike, were brought down 
to the lowest dnst. You might have 
heard them inquiring with all the 
apprehensive anxiety of the jailer^ 
^men and brethren, what must we 
do to be saved ? ' and in all the 
humility of the publican praying, 
'God be merciful to us miserable 
sinners.' 

''In the upper congregation, where 
there had been a great work of 
grace in 1815, there w^ere little ap- 
pearances of any awakening, until 
late in the winter of 1820; but the 
Lord's mercies were not clean gone, 
for he appeared there also in His 
great glory. And so universally did 
liis grace abound, that there re- 
mained not one family in all that 
congregation, where there was not 



66 

one or more witnessing souls. The 
awakening was not confined to any 
one age or sex, or class of character ; 
it was general ! And to the glory 
of God's grace be it spoken, the 
most profligate, generally, were the 
most prompt in their submission to 
God. The converts were of all 
ages, from seventy-fiv^e years down 
to twelve years; and in the short 
space of six months, one hundred 
and ninety-four were added to the 
church, of whom one hundred and 
three were added in one day, and 
there were twenty-three added af- 
terwards, making the whole num- 
ber two hundred and seventeen. 
The whole number who cherished 
hope of forgiven sin, was considera- 
bly over three hundred, within the 
township." 



67 

At Ballston. The Revival com- 
menced here in the order of the ge- 
ographical relation of the place to 
Malta, where some of our people 
had attended a communion season, 
and were much stirred up. It hap- 
pened also, that on the 12th day of 
December, four or five church mem- 
bers being together after one of our 
evening meetings, felt in an un- 
usual degree the necessity of a Re- 
vival of Religion, both in their own 
hearts, and through the congrega- 
tion ; in consequence of this, they 
solemnly covenanted with each 
other to observe a special concert 
of secret prayer for this object, at a 
particular hour of the day. 

This was the first visible move- 
ment among Christians; but it ought 
to be told, for the encouragement 
of others, that there had existed for 



68 

several years in this church, a small 
female praying society, who had 
made it one article in their consti- 
tution, that they would never cease, 
while the organization lasted, to 
pray for a Revival of Religion ! 

The session of the church were 
awakened next. On the day ap- 
pointed for our state thanksgiving, 
after attending the public services, 
they held a special conference 
among themselves. They inquired 
into each other's official faithfuhiess 
— examined their own hearts, and 
compared views with regard to the 
state of religion in the church. 
Much tenderness of feeling was 
manifested on this occasion, and it 
was agreed, tefore they separated, 
to call a meeting of all the members 
of the church, for a similar object. 
This meeting was held on the first 



69 

Monday in January, and was indeed 
a solemn and melting season. Af- 
ter prayer, several exhortations were 
given, and we then began a free 
conversation with individual mem- 
bers, on the state of their religious 
experience, as well as their views 
and feelings in regard to our spirit- 
ual condition as a church. Almost 
all were either found prayerful and 
strong in the belief that God was 
about to pour out his spirit upon us, 
or they were mourning their cold- 
ness, backslidings, and neglect of 
duty. Some of our most exemplary 
professors, were almost wholly in 
darkness, but they were panting for 
the light of God's countenance, ''as 
the heart panteth after the water- 
brooks." 

The awakening" amonj^ God's 
people was now general. Our hopes 



70 

in his designs of mercy for others, 
rose in proportion ; nor did we wait 
long, ere our expectations began to 
be realized. At a Saturday evening 
prayer meeting, held the same week, 
the first decided impressions ap- 
peared to be made on the minds of 
impenitent sinners. Five or six 
yo nng persons were unusually af- 
fected during the meeting, and on 
conversing with them after its close, 
discovered a vivid apprehension of 
their sinfulness and danger, and a 
strong determination to seek after 
God. Most of these subjects ulti- 
mately gave evidence of having 
''passed from death to life." 

Our first anxious meeting was ap- 
pointed within a few days after- 
wards, and though it was distinctly 
made known that none but those 
under concern were expected at 



71 

this meeting, we found, to our sur- 
prise, that about sixty were assem- 
bled. Here was a scene, novel to 
most of us, and interesting beyond 
description. We saw one whole 
company of sinners bowed down, 
apparently with the same sentiment 
of awful condemnation, and some 
to such a degree as not 1o be abJe 
to rise from their seats, while they 
bewailed their case with bitter weep- 
ing, and besought the prayers and 
instructions of Christians on their 
behalf 

After this, new instances of con- 
viction became numerous; we heard 
of them daily, and in almost every 
part of the town. The first cases 
of hopeful conversion, occurred this 
week also, in two precious youths, 
who found relief and great joy. Al- 
most everyone was now convinced 



72 

that a work of divine grace was 
indeed begun. The church were 
fired, and the session, dividing 
themselves two and two, resolved to 
visit forthwith every family in the 
congregation. This important work 
they were enabled to carry into ef- 
fect, and with great benefit both to 
themselves and others. The Lord 
was before us, and it was found 
that many families and individuals 
not before known to be affected, and 
who might have remained so, but 
for this movement, were alreadv 
convicted, or predisposed to be so 
upon the first appeals of divine truth! 
All the means usually employed 
to promote Revivals of Religion, 
were now diligently used. Besides 
the exercises of the Sabbath, we had 
weekly lectures by the pastor and 
others, who came occasionally to 



73 

his assistance, in different parts of 
the town. We had anxious meet- 
ings also, and conferences and pray- 
er meetings, and frequently several 
on the same evening, at different 
places. The people seemed never 
weary of attending, and the diffi- 
culty was rather to satisfy them with- 
out appointing more meetings than 
we thought to be best. They would 
flock together during all the incle- 
mencies of the season, and listen, 
when met, with so deep and pro- 
found an attention, that in a room 
crowded to overflowing, it would 
almost seem you might hear a pin 
drop or the beating of a Avatch. The 
stillness, at times, seemed to have 
something like mystery about it; 
it was sublime, it was awful ; you 
almost seemed to be in eternity. 
Strangers who have come into these 
7 



74 

meetings, have expressed them- 
selves as feeling like Eliphaz the 
Temanite, when a spirit passed be- 
fore his face, and the voice of the 
eternal was heard challenging him, 
"Shall mortal man be more just 
than God ? Shall a man be more 
pure than his Maker '^" Some 
of the most signal convictions 
seem to have been wrought by 
the Spirit in these circumstances, 
and apparently in many instances, 
several at the same moment. These 
things, notwithstanding it would 
be a mistake to suppose that there 
was any thing like enthusiasm 
manifested in this movement. No 
dreams, no visions, or supernatural 
impressions (except in a single in- 
stance,) were pretended or relied 
on. No efforts were made to excite 
the passions or imagination. Noise 



75 

was repressed, and convictions were, 
in general, rational and deliberative 
Plain doctrinal and conscience-ex 
citing truths were principally pre- 
sented in preaching, and these ser- 
mons were those most frequently- 
blessed. Much was urged as to the 
obstinacy of the sinner's will, his 
entire responsibility, great guilt and 
entire dependence on God, to save 
him from destruction. 

These have been the main in- 
strumentalities^ relied on; but in- 
stances of conviction have occurred 
in modes and circumstances alto- 
gether aside from human calcula- 
tion. More than once indeed have 
human wisdom and foresight been 
entirely set aside, and the church 
has thus been taught to believe that 
the best way to carry on a work of 
God in Revivals, is just to lie in the 



76 

dust of humility, doing duty as it arises, 
and suffering God to carry on the work 
himself. The principal duties are 
those of prayer, patience, Christian 
intercourse, and continual waiting 
on the ordinary means of grace. 

On the 21st of February, we had 
our first communion season, since 
the commencement of the work. It 
was preceded by a day of fasting 
and prayer, and proved indeed a 
season of great interest. Fifty-nine 
new communicants then sat down 
to the table of the Lord, in the pre- 
sence of an immense assembly of 
spectators, not less, it was supposed, 
than two thousand — the whole 
number of communicants being 
about five hundred. 

The week following, it was found 
that the Revival had received a new 
impulse. Here a husband, and there 



77 

a wife, who had been separated at 
the late communion season, was 
fomid trembling and seeking the 
way of salvation. Our evening 
meetings were still more thronged, 
and in the coldest evenings of an 
unusually severe winter, many as- 
sembled who were not able to obtain 
admittance to our school houses, 
and have been seen to raise the 
windows and stand without in de- 
vout attention to the word of God. 
Often on these occasions has the 
scriptural expression occurred to 
our minds, " These, whence come 
they ? and who are these that fly as 
clouds and doves to their windows ?" 
The house of God on the sabbath 
was equally thronged, even the in- 
termission season was usually spent 
in religious exercises, and we were 
obliged to enlarge our accommoda- 



78 

tions by supplying movable seats. 
At this time the Revival might be 
considered at its height, and it was 
observed that for three or four weeks 
there was not one day in which we 
did not hear of one or more persons 
who were made to rejoice in hope. 
All our usual means of promoting 
the work were continued, and at 
the end of six weeks from our last 
communion, fifty-seven more were 
added to the church at a season of 
great solemnity. 

Two additional circumstances 
may be mentioned, as remarked in 
this Revival. It prevailed to an 
unusual extent among persons of 
advanced age, and it was singularly 
destructive, for the time being, of 
doctrinal error. Socinianism was 
not attacked, except as included in 
teaching the opposite doctrines ; and 



79 

Universalism was not attacked at 
all. It seemed as if the presence 
of the Spirit had of itself blighted 
it. Several persons once professing 
to believe in this doctrine, were 
hopefully converted, and few, very 
few remained, it is believed, who 
would have been willing then to 
admit their attachment to such a 
system. 

The particular excitement might 
be considered as continuing until 
the second sabbath of May, the season 
of our third communion. At this 
time twenty-six were added to the 
church, making the whole number 
received on examination in about 
three months, to be one hundred and 
forty-two. The opening of the spring 
brought the busy season of the year; 
the more unfavorable state of the 
roads, and the shorter evenings, 



80 

made a difference in our outward 
attention to the means of grace; 
and yet good influences continued, 
and other additions to the church 
were made in consequence of this 
Revival, throughout the year. 

On the whole, no church or peo- 
ple, perhaps, in all this wonderful 
movement, had greater occasion for 
gratitude to Almighty God, or were 
laid under higher obligation to ex- 
hibit its lasting memorials, than 
those of Ballston. And for a long 
and happy season, these memorials 
remained. The church was greatly 
enlarged; our bounds extended; our 
strength increased ; and the moral 
and intellectual state of our whole 
population evidently improved. The 
generation of the young were spe- 
cially favored. They now loved the 
things that were '' lovely and of 



81 

good report;" and it would not have 
been easy at that time, to find an 
intemperate or licentious person 
among them, or to get up and sus- 
tain any merely wordly amusement. 
Mr. Nettleton was amongst us only 
on two occasions during this win- 
ter; but our people saw a good deal 
of him in other places, and we were 
favored besides with the occasional 
visits of other eminent helpers. The 
good Dr, Yates of Union College, 
(of whom it was. said, he ivas always 
in a Revival spirit^) was several times 
with us, as was also another zeal- 
ous and gifted professor in that in- 
stitution, then just commencing his 
ministerial career. An excellent 
Brother Williar)is, since dead, also 
visited us, and with an anecdote 
connected with his name, and one 
other calculated to show the simple 



82 

power of God's instrumentalities in 
converting souls, we will bring this 
narrative to a close. Mr. Williams 
had preached an excellent sermon 
at one of our school house meetings, 
on the Parable of the Sower, In 
specifying with great fidelity the 
different classes of hearers of the 
word, one would have supposed him 
sufficiently particular, and that it 
was not easy to escape an individual 
self-application. " But," said an in- 
genuous young female, who gave 
this account of her conversion af- 
terwards, "I heard Mr. Williams, 
but that did not touch me. After 
sermon our pastor addressed us, and 
made the subject still more particu- 
lar. Still I remained uninterested, 
for I never thought it could mean 
me. Then we were dismissed, and 
as we were getting out of the room, 



83 

the singers began one of their 
hymns, ' Stop poor sinners, stop and 
think before you farther go.' This 
was, indeed, very solemn, somehow. 
I felt strongly, though I did not yet 
think any thing in particular of my- 
self; but when our minister came 
right up to me in that awful crowd, 
and said, ' Well, Eliza, what do you 
think of these things? Has not the 
Sower sowed any thing for you this 
evening ? Don't you need religion ? 
O, Eliza, you know you do.' Then 
to be sure, I thought it did mean 
me, and I couldn't stand it any 
longer." 

On another occasion the pastor 
was to be absent for the sabbath, 
on an exchange with a brother 
minister of Albany. On his way 
downward, he called to see a young 
female of his flock, who was un- 



84 

derstood to be under conviction. 
He found her exceedingly distressed, 
so much so indeed, that her other- 
wise beautiful features had become 
dark with anguish, and truly dread- 
ful to look upon. He understood 
that at a female prayer meeting 
held the day before, she had been 
entirely overcome, and carried out 
of the room. The pastor felt dis- 
tressed to leave her in such circum- 
stances; but he instructed and 
prayed with her as well as he could, 
and her case was not much out of 
his mind during his absence. On 
Monday, as he returned, he called 
on her again, and the first thing he 
observed on her entering the room, 
was the entire change in her coun- 
tenance. ''Well, Jane," said he, 
''I need not ask you, you feel bet- 
ter, I see it in your looks." ''O, 



85 

yes, O, yes, tongue can't express it, 
how happy I am." '' But what did 
it, Jane ? how came you to feel so 
differently V " O, sir. He said, 'Ho, 
every one that thirsteth, come ye to the 
waters,' " Dear child ! she referred 
to the preacher whom she heard 
the day before quote this passage. 
But it was not his text; he only re- 
ferred to it in a very usual way ; but 
God was working with his word, 
and Jane believed to the rejoicing of 
her soul. 

The writer of these Recollections 
will be pardoned for the length of 
the narrative of Ballston, and these 
details of incidents, if they have not 
much intrinsic value. He was the 
pastor of this people at that time : in 
the strange providence of God he is 
now, after an absence of twenty-two 
years, their pastor again. It is na- 
8 



86 

tural he should feel an interest for 
this people. He has hoped to do 
them good by these reminiscences; 
he is sure the giving of them has 
afforded him pleasure, for if there 
has been any thing useful in his 
now somewhat protracted life, aught 
which v/as pleasant in passing, or 
the fruits of which he hopes to meet 
in Heaven, it was connected with 
the Great Revival of 1820. 

At Charlton. Here, too, a re- 
freshing from the Lord was experi- 
enced during this remarkable sea- 
son. Charlton was one of the old- 
est Presbyterian congregations in 
Saratoga county. Among an intel- 
ligent, orderly, and well indoctrin- 
ated people, the work did not com- 
mence suddenly, or progress rapidly, 
but it finally assumed the form " of 



87 

a slow and progressive opening of 
the heart to receive Divine truth." 
Added to the stated means of grace, 
the usual means of promoting Re- 
vivals at that time, were used. 
Conferences, prayer meetings, meet- 
ings for inquiries, and special visit- 
ations of families, were put in ope- 
ration; God's people were earnest 
in prayer, and the results which 
followed in other places, were to a 
good degree attained here. There 
were eighty-fourjiiembers added to 
communion in the course of the 
year. 

At East Galway. This place 
seems to have been next visited, 
and in a way to show another va- 
riety in the sovereign dispensations 
of grace. They were at the time 
without a pastor, although a faith- 



88 

ful licentiate preacher had been 
with them the preceding autumn, 
who after the Revival, became their 
minister. In the Presbyterial Nar- 
rative, the church is described as 
'^ greatly diminished in numbers, 
cold, stupid, and discouraged/' 
Symptoms of a Revival first began 
to appear among them about the 
end of February. Its principal care 
and labors devolved, for a consider- 
able time, upon the eldership. — 
There appeared first, an unusual 
seriousness in one of the district 
schools. On the first sabbath in 
March, the president of Union Col- 
lege visited them, for the adminis- 
tration of the Lord's supper. Seven 
were added to the church on that 
occasion; the ordinances were very 
impressive, and several, it was be- 
lieved, were then awakened. 



89 

The week following, the solemni- 
ty was evidently increased, and on 
Tuesday evening, at a conference, 
some twenty to thirty persons were 
so deeply impressed, as to be either 
unable, or entirely unwilling to 
leave their seats after the services 
were closed. Some stout-hearted 
young men were found wringing 
their hands in great agony, and 
asking, " What must we do to be 
saved ? " School rooms became too 
small for these -conferences; the 
church was resorted to, and soon 
filled to overflowing. The faithful 
eldership redoubled their exertions. 
They visited all the families by dis- 
tricts, conversed with individuals, 
and attended numerous religious 
meetings. They also succeeded in 
securing the stated services, for a 

season, of the preacher before men- 

8^ 



90 

tioned; and it is remembered, and 
will long be remembered by this 
people, with what disinterested and 
affectionate zeal, he devoted him- 
self to this work. For not less than 
seven or eight sabbaths in succes- 
sion, was he with them, proclaim- 
ing the gospel of reconciliation, 
faithfully, plainly, and with great 
apparent effect. 

Many whole families were hope- 
fully converted to God, and in the 
course of a few weeks, more than 
two hundred and fifty, of every age, 
were rejoicing in hope. One hun- 
dred and sixty were added to the 
Presbyterian church; the Baptist 
and Methodist churches were also 
enlarged. The special means were 
continued by the eldership for some 
time longer. They were then re- 
lieved, in some measure, by the set- 



91 

tlement of a pastor. Bible classes, 
sabbath schools, and catechetical 
instructions, were for a long time 
well sustained ; and this congrega- 
tion was distinguished for its libe- 
rality in the support of benevolent 
institutions. 

In "West Galway, the Revival 
commenced about the same time, 
and apparently with great promise; 
but as the excellent brother labor- 
ing there was in a feeble state of 
health, and soon afterwards entered 
into his rest — little is known of 
the particular progress of the work. 
About one hundred, however, are 
said to have been added to the 
church, in conseq[uence of this move- 
ment, and a good degree of its in- 
fluence still remains among that 
people. 



92 

Amsterdam, Montgomery coiintv, 
is contiguous to the last named 
place; and here the work assumed 
a decided and most interesting 
character about the 1st of March. 
''Several neighborhoods m the town- 
ship were awakened at once." Cries 
for help came from every quarter; 
and minister and session soon found 
themselves in the very midst of 
God's wonderful workings. Their 
meetings of every name were full — 
were crowded. The whole of any 
day in the week, and as much of the 
sabbath as remained after the pub- 
lie services in God's house were 
over, was employed in visiting from 
house to house. The evenings were 
spent in conference, or prayer, or 
anxious meetings. And although 
many who attended these meetings, 
were often heard, when at home in 



93 

their families, in their fields, and in 
their secret retirements, to groan 
out in agony, or to cry aloud in an- 
guish of heart; yet in these meet- 
ings there was no noise, no confu- 
sion, no disorder. Sometimes in- 
deed the prayer for mercy was forced 
from the broken heart in a heavy 
whisper, or in a stifled groan. Some- 
times too the dreadful struggle 
within was rendered visible in the 
palsied frame or writhing hands, or 
other symptoms of spiritual distress, 
deeply affecting all around; but no- 
thing like rant or confusion, or en- 
thusiasm ! Instead of this, an awe, 
a stillness, an oppressive silence, 
which cannot be described, pervad- 
ed the whole, and often rendered 
it difficult to breathe. It was the 
sinking of the wounded heart, the 
fainting which precedes the last 



94 

agony of life. The hearts of rebel- 
lion had recieved their mortal 
wound, and were yielding beneath 
the power of God. Many who vi- 
sited these meetings from motives 
of cariosity, totally careless! behold- 
ing the mighty power of God were 
terrified at their own hard and im- 
penitent hearts, convicted of sin, 
awakened to a sense of the misery 
of their state, and forced to enquire 
also, 'What they must do to be 
saved ? ' On one evening, set apart 
for a lecture and personal conversa- 
tion, fifteen were powerfully awak- 
ened. 

There was no difficulty in assem- 
bling the people, but often very great 
difficulty in separating and getting^ 
them to return home. Sometimes 
sleigh loads of these, after leaving 
the meeting, and riding half a mile 



95 

or a mile homewards, would turn 
back again to the place of prayer, 
to hear still more about the salva- 
tion of Jesus. And they often did 
this, through lanes and ways and 
snows, that would have been deem- 
ed impossible by persons of any 
other state of mind. 

The awakening in Amsterdam 
had one prominent feature some- 
what peculiar. Sinners were gene- 
rally very suddenly and alarmingly 
aroused; their convictions rapidly 
arose to the highest pitch, were ex- 
tremely painful in their operations, 
and yet protracted beyond anything 
witnessed in other places. The 
truths which bore most heavily 
on the minds of sinners in this 
awakening, were the awful depravity 
of the heart, so manifest in its un- 
reasonable and continued rebellion 



96 

against God. Their own personal 
guilt and pollution; their evident 
danger of eternal death. Every one 
thought his own heart the worst, 
and his own case peculiarly aggra- 
vated. 

Generally the first dawning of 
comfort in the soul, has been 
through the application of precious 
truth, while reading the Bible, or 
hearing it explained; or while in 
the act of secret prayer. The real- 
ity of the change which so many 
professed, became every day more 
visible by the love and unity, and 
growing holiness, and increasing^ 
light and gospel knowledge of those 
who named the name of Christ."" 
{Presbyterial Narrative^ pp. 25-27.) 

The immediate result of this work 
at Amsterdam, was the addition of 
one hundred and sixty-two mem- 



97 

bers to the church; but this is far 
from expressing the whole of the 
benefit. The place has been dis- 
tinguished since as before, by a 
succession of good and faithful pas- 
tors, and several 'pure Revivals of 
Religion. The providence of God 
has remarkably taught them in- 
deed, that his servants '' do not con- 
tinue by reason of death." But 
one has been removed only to be 
supplied by another of a similar 
spirit, and we cannot deny ourselves 
the mournful pleasure of recording 
here the name of a brother, whose 
first and final excellence on earth 
shone forth in this Revival. Rev. 
Halsey A. Wood, was at the time 
pastor of this people, and recently 
entered upon the field of his public 
ministry. Amiable and unpretend- 
ing, but a man of great clearness of 
9 



98 

mind, warm piety, sound judgment, 
and great firmness of purpose and 
pursuit. "With what devotedness, 
with what zeal and real love for 
the work did he now lay himself 
out for early usefulness ! By night 
and by day, in his own congrega- 
tion and in others, in the ecclesias- 
tical meetings, and in all appoint- 
ments of the church, whoever else 
might be, we were sure this brother 
would not be wanting. Nunquam 
nonparatus! 

A lovely friend, an able helper, 
a successful laborer. Having a fine 
constitution, enjoying almost unin- 
terrupted health, and so well ac- 
knowledged by the master, we fond- 
ly trusted he was to last long, and 
with still increasing acceptance. 
But God's ways are not as our ways, 
nor his thoughts as our thoughts ! 



99 

Brother Wood was suddenly cut off 
by a fever, in the autumn of 1825, 
and his dust has since been occu- 
pying a rural burying ground, over- 
looking the village, which he loved, 
and where his first and early labors 
were bestowed. 

Why the church must lose such 
men, and why the feebler often 
survive to record their memories, 
are questions not for us to answer. 
It is a consolation to know, how- 
ever, that such ^characters do not 
cease to be useful when they die. 
The Revival of 1820, will always 
be identified by the church of Am- 
sterdam, with the memory of this 
beloved pastor. 

Schenectady and Union College. 
In the third week of January, 1820, 
there was a very sudden death in 



100 

one of the students of Union Col- 
lege. The alarm was great, and 
the professors and pious students 
availed themselves of the opportu- 
nity to make a suitable impression 
of the dispensation. A prayer meet- 
ing was held in the room where 
the corpse had been laid out, and 
many resorted to it, either from 
sympathy, or for those higher ends 
which the occasion seemed to de- 
mand. Solemn exhortations were 
given, and many fervent prayers 
were there offered, for two succeed- 
ing days. The effect was soon 
visible, and many of the Lord's ser- 
vants believed that a work of special 
grace was already begun. The 
praying was now increased in fer- 
vency and in frequency. Inquiry 
meetings were held, where the sin- 
ner's obligation to immediate sub- 



101 

mission was much urged, and some 
at length began to rejoice in hope. 
That which was at first regarded 
by many, as only a nine days' won- 
der^ and was opposed by some, event- 
ually become a general concern- 
ment, and continued for about three 
months, with great power and in- 
terest. 

By the 1st of April between thirty 
and forty of these students were 
found rejoicing in hope, most of 
whom connected with Evangelical 
churches, and several afterwards 
devoted themselves to the gospel 
ministry. What a mercy ! not only 
for individual salvation, but for Zion 
and the world ! " From the college 
the awakening spread down into 
the city, (of Schenectady,) and in 
February became very interesting 

there. 

9# 



102 

Its first appearance was among 
the few praying people, the females 
especially, who met weekly to pray. 
Their hearts were drawn out to 
God, most entirely and ardently. 
A few lectures at private houses 
were blessed greatly. Many date 
their convictions from these meet- 
ings. The numbers began rapidly 
to increase. A private house would 
not hold the people. The academy 
room sufficed only for a few weeks, 
and before it was yet believed that 
the Spirit of the Lord was moving 
on the hearts of sinners, the Presby- 
terian church was scarcely large 
enough to accommodate the Wed- 
nesday evening lecture ! 

The church was destitute of a 
stated pastor, and help was obtained 
as it was found most practicable. 
The Lord was their great help. Lee- 



103 

tures were very much crowded ; 
conference meetings, meetings for 
prayer, and meetings for anxious 
sinners were full and solemn, and 
greatly blessed. Young and old, 
moral and profane, felt the benign 
influence. It was not confined to 
any one denomination; and be it 
remembered, to the glory of God's 
grace, that a great unity of action 
and of feeling, pervaded the whole. 
There was scarcely any sectarian 
or divided views manifested until 
the close of the whole work. It 
was a very silent, solemn, heartfelt 
operation; slow in progress, but 
blessed in result. Nearly three hun- 
dred, we trust, were converted to 
God." 

Mr. Nettleton was a good deal in 
this place. The other labors, so far 
as preaching was concerned, de- 



104 

volved principally on the clerical 
members of the college faculty. But 
the Lord showed here, as in other 
places, that he has many other 
helpers, besides his official servants. 
From Schenectady the work 
spread, and with happy effect, into 
the immediate vicinity, generally 
by the instrumentality of pious stu- 
dents from the college, and such 
occasional labors as the professors 
were able to bestow. The church- 
es of Princeton^ Duanesburgh, and 
Carlisle, were also visited at this 
time ; but the strength of the mercy 
shower seemed evidently abated 
with the opening of spring, or rather 
was passing eastward, and was at 
length gone. Still we heard of its 
wonders, in Greenbush and Nassau, 
and thence in Massachusetts and 
Connecticut, and more or less in 



105 

connection with the labors of that 
remarkable man, who was so greatly 
useful amongst us. 

But here we follow it not. Our 
object has been, thus far, to trace 
the work in a particular district, to 
gather its incidents, and to mark its 
instrumentalities, as calculated to 
instruct us, and illustrate the mighty 
and more indispensable power of 
God. 

We have been aware of perform- 
ing a difficult task. In a narrative 
of a Revival of Religion, embracing 
so large a field, and implicating so 
many individuals, it were probably 
impossible to do entire justice, and 
we should not be surprised (should 
this publication be noticed at all,) 
if places and persons should deem 
themselves neglected, or unfairly 
represented. 



106 

For the correctness of the state- 
ments, as far as they go, we think 
we can vouch ; but a more correct 
or fuller account, we shall be quite 
willing to see. In the opinions or 
deductions which we have to offer, 
we of course are alone responsible. 



CHAPTER VI, 



RESULTS, AND A COMPARATIVE VIEW 
OF THE WHOLE WORK. 

This part of the subject demands 
our candid and most conscientious 
regards. For the great end of these 
reminiscences would be lost, and 
our agency in giving them, be un- 
worthy, if not criminal, did we not 
make such deductions as the facts 
shall be found to warrant, and 
which shall prove to be for the be- 
nefit of those who will read and ob- 
serve them. 

We first remark, therefore, that if 
by results, is to be understood here 
the immediate effects of this Revival, 



108 

the facts now exhibited leave us 
no room for disquisition. In the 
number of souls hopefully convert- 
ed; in the enlargement of the 
churches; strengthening of believers 
and building up the various institu- 
tions of benevolence and religion, 
and in further favoring the cause of 
order, morals and truth in every 
department, it was universally ac- 
knowledged, that the Revival had 
been a blessing, distinct and mani- 
fest. 

The deportment and spirit of the 
subjects also, was such as 1o bear 
the best tests of examination 
on this subject. Reviewing the 
ground after more than one year 
had elapsed, the testimony of the 
Albany Presbytery, is as follows: 
The converts ^'have been uncom- 
monly united together in Christian 



109 

love, and out of a number not less 
than two thousand, who have been 
hopefully converted, and of whom 
fourteen hundred have united them- 
selves to the Presbyterian church 
not more than four or five are known 
to have shown signs of apostacy." 
{Preshyterial Narrative.) 

Still our conclusions cannot be 
final, until we have examined the 
degree of permanency of these results^ 
and something of the general state of 
these churches in after years. And 
here it cannot be denied, that while 
many of these churches have continued 
to advance^ and never abandoned the 
high ground then taken, either as to 
doctrine, spirit, or practice, there has 
been declension among others, and in 
some few cases an actual diminu- 
tion in numbers and graces at least 
for a season. 
10 



110 

Truth compels us to state, that 
ministerial changes have been fre- 
quent in one or two of these con- 
gregations, and divisions and un- 
happy differences on points of 
church order; but in no instance, 
we believe, could these evils be 
traced to the Revival, nor have they 
amounted to essential heresies, or 
been of long duration. 

The result of a trial of more than 
twenty years, therefore, is thus far 
this; that while there have been 
delinquencies and declensions in 
some of the churches which are now 
reviewed, there has not been a falling 
off, as a whole; but on the contrary, 
an increase in numbers, strength 
and efficiency, as compared with 
their preceding state. 

For the evils which have now 
been referred to, we believe that 



Ill 

adequate causes may be assigned, and 
as it is our duty to deal fairly with 
this whole subject, some of these 
causes must now be assigned. 

One of these causes undoubtedly 
was (for we have known no Revival 
in which it did not obtain to some 
extent,) the too hasty admission of can- 
didates to the communion of the church. 
The hearts of sessions and all others, 
at such seasons, are open to hope 
and charity. Young converts, sin- 
cere and warm, but with little ex- 
perience, desire The privileges of full 
communion. We do not pretend 
to know the heart ; we follow our 
most favorable feelings, and the 
candidates are admitted, even in 
doubtful cases, and without fur- 
ther trial. Sometimes these wear 
well, but in other instances (and 
they are very many in more modern 



112 

Revivals,) you have every reason to 
fear, afterwards, that they had no 
true rehgious experience. No doubt 
that some such cases occurred in 
the work which we have reviewed, 
and these, so far as they extended, 
have been among the causes of trial 
and evil. 

Another cause is to be assigned 
probably, in the ivant of proper reli- 
gious instruction of young converts^ 
after the Revival was past. Decided 
attention indeed was paid to this 
subject in many places, and with 
the happiest results. But others 
either had no pastors to take hold 
of this particular duty, or it came 
to be felt unhappily that didactic 
and doctrinal preaching was scarce- 
ly required or agreeable, after so 
much of higher emotions; and more 
loose views of truth have in conse- 



113 

quence obtained. We do by no 
means believe this error has been 
as common here, as in some other 
Revivals ; but wherever it has ob- 
tained, declensions and divisions, 
and the other evils mentioned have 
been more apparent. But on the 
other hand, in proportion as sound 
and stated preaching, Bible class, 
catechetical and sabbath school in- 
struction have been enjoyed — these 
evils have been avoided, and young 
professors, as well as others, have 
appeared to grow in grace. 

But finally, it is well known, and 
may not be omitted to be mentioned 
here, that a class of Revivals, in many 
respects different from those we have 
reviewed, have since been experienced 
by the churches, and we do not think 
a just appreciation of the whole 



10^ 



114 

present state of things can be made, 
without adverting to these, and 
making a fair comparison. 

It is well known that about the 
year 1824 or '25, what have usually 
been styled new measures, began to 
be adopted for promoting Revivals, 
such as protracted meetings, the anx- 
ious seat, the more vehement excite- 
ment of natural sympathies, and cor- 
responding instructions, as to human 
ability and the ease of obtaining Reli- 
gion. 

It is known that Mr. Nettleton 
never approved of these measures, 
or the doctrinal views with which 
they were connected. He prophe- 
sied that ''they would run out true 
Revivals," and finding he could not 
resist them successfully, retired from 
that time into comparative obscu- 
rity. 



115 

Now it is a fact, that these Revi- 
vals have not, in general, borne sub- 
stantial fruits. They have been of 
short duration, and followed in many 
instances, (we might say in most 
instances,) Avith more or less of evil 
to the churches, even where stated 
exertions have afterwards been 
made to give them a right direction. 
They have often been connected 
with divisions, strifes, unsettling of 
ministers, heresies, and a multitude 
of developments of spurious experi- 
ences in professors, such as give in- 
finite trouble to churches, and for 
which no remedy seems to exist. 

We do by no means affirm or be- 
lieve, that these have been the only 
fruits of these more modern Revi- 
vals ; but that they exist, and to a 
far greater extent, than was com- 
mon in older movements of this sort, 



116 

is what all observe, and few we 
think will be disposed to deny. 

These Revivals have followed^ at 
least, upon those former Revivals, 
and were in some sense connected 
with them; and now lohat is the con- 
clusion, to which an enlightened 
friend of true religion would feel 
compelled to come in relation to 
this whole subject ? Will he con- 
clude that the whole doctrine of 
special influences of the Spirit, is a 
delusion, and belongs practically 
only to the religion of fanatics? 
Certainly he cannot, if a believer 
in the Bible — for numerous Scrip- 
tures, as well as observed cases in 
church history, are clearly against 
this decision; or will he come to 
think, as some at present seem in- 
clined, that the influences, though 
real and most desirable, are so 



117 

varied in their forms as not to be 
expected again to be seen in our 
churches; but that the same bless- 
ings are to be enjoyed if enjoyed at 
all, only in the more ordinary move- 
ments of stated ordinances. To 
this, we answer, that if it shall so 
appear in the result, and without 
involving the guilt of neglect on our 
part, and conversions and sanctifi- 
cation and church life, can truly be 
secured in the wisdom of God to 
the extent needed, without special 
and observable movements, we shall not 
only be reconciled to it, but consi- 
der it on some accounts, as a more 
desirable dispensation. But as this 
has not yet been, at least, in our 
country, and until it is so, we have 
many reasons for expecting and 
still laboring for what are called 
Revivals of Religion. That they 



118 

should be special, is no more to be 
wondered at, than that regeneration 
is so — while the very diversity that 
is now contended for, leaves room 
to expect it, as one of the modes of 
the Spirit's operations. 

Nor does the tendency to degene- 
ration of Revivals at all prove the 
falsity of the doctrine of Revivals; 
every good thing tends to degene- 
racy in human hands. Thus was 
the Great Revival of New England 
followed by the aberations oi Daven- 
port, and other and purer Revivals 
must succeed, before this injurious 
influence could be wholly removed. 
True Revivals are of God; then 
they have been of signal service to 
the church; and if in any instances 
they have been followed by those 
less pure, and evils have ensued, 
the fault has been in their manage- 
ment, not in the thing itself 



119 

Nor are we yet warranted to doubt 
that Revivals may be again enjoyed. 
We should labor and pray for their 
return, for we do not see how the 
churches in this country can, at pre- 
sent, dispense with their influence, 
and hope to live. 

Now our believing all this, has 
been one reason for giving this 
history, and we shall conclude there- 
fore, by presenting in summary, 
those principal things in which the 
Great Revival of Saratoga county seems 

TO HAVE DIFFEEED FROM MOST OF THOSE 
WHICH HAVE RECENTLY FOLLOWED. 

1. And one great difference un- 
doubtedly was, in the peculiar quali- 
fications of the principal actor. Taking 
him all in all, we believe, and we 
think it will appear from these pages 
that Mr. Nettleton was peculiarly 
adapted to this vocation, and that 



120 

none like him, in this respect, have 
since been raised up. God indeed 
is not confined to one class of agen- 
cies, and we are quite willing he 
should send by whom he will send; 
but still, if among his instruments 
one is clearly less wise, less holy, 
or less self-governed than another, 
we should expect it would appear 
in the greater imperfection of their 
work. 

2. A second and important differ- 
ence in favor of our older Revivals 
has been, as we believe, that iiiore 
of doctrinal truth was then preached 
and insisted on as entering into reli- 
gious experience. The subjects of 
entire moral and original depravity^ 
human dependence and God's sove- 
reignty, as well as atonement, regene- 
ration, and the whole icork of the 
Spirit^weie more frequently insisted 



121 

on, and it was not sought so much 
to explain them on principles of hu- 
man philosophy, as to urge them 
on the authority of God's word. 
There was more of '^tlius saith the 
Lord !" and leaving it there for the 
sinner to dispose of as he might. 

3. Moreover, the effort vms almost 
never made then, to convince the sinner 
how able he luas to repent^ (though his 
excuses were taken away of course, 
hj showing that his inability was 
moral,) but far niore was it insisted 
that it was not so easy and sure a 
thing to obtain religion in the man- 
ner usually attempted: and when 
the awakened were found, as they 
always are found at first, to rely on 
self-sustained efforts; the object 
then, always was to take away their 
expectations! "Knock out their 



11 



122 

props/^ said Mr. Nettleton, ^^ and let 
them fall." 

4. One of the most marked of all 
the differences was, that in the mea- 
sures which were then used to promote 
Revitals^ men did not seem to go before 
the Spirit^ but always rather to follow 
it. This appears most clearly in 
what has now been recorded, both 
of Mr. Nettleton's efforts and those 
made by the churches. A protract- 
ed meeting got up in a cold and 
unprepared state of things; the get- 
ting Christians to rise and pledge* 
themselves, without any evidence 
of the Spirit leading them there- 
unto, or urging a sinner to the 
anxious seat against his will, and 
with almost physical violence, were 
things unheard of, and would have 
been wholly disapproved : yet very 
great exertions were used where the 



123 

Spirit prepared the way ; and ''Up, 
for the Lord has gone out before 
thee/' was often found an appropri- 
ate exhortation. 

5. There was less noise and less ''ob- 
servation,^'' as well as less attempt to 
move upon curiosity and other human 
sympathies, than has usually been in 
more modern Revivals. 

6. There was more care given to 
secure correct advice and instruction 

for sinners under conviction. Great 
pains were takento have no contra^ 
dictory instructions. Sinners were 
advised to be a good deal alone, to 
attend to their Bibles, pray much, 
and rightly, and submit at once to 
the teachings of the Holy Spirit. 

7. It ivas attempted to have, as far 
as possible, only discreet and judicious 
persons to exhort in religious meetings. 
Not many were called on even to 



124 

pray, and females never, in promis- 
cuous assemblies, although in pray- 
er-meetings by themselves, and in 
other appropriate departments they 
were always encouraged, and were 
found to be among our most effici- 
ent helpers. 

8. Mr. NeUleton never encouraged 
speedy admission to church communion. 
Great pains were taken by sessions, 
that as far as possible thorough ex- 
aminations should be had, especially 
with the young. And yet they pro- 
bably proceeded too fastly in some 
instances, as has been already sug- 
gested. 

Finally^ more pains than are now 
common^ seem then to have been takejt 
for the instruction and establishment va 
the truth of young church members. 
This practice was somewhat varied 
of course, under different pastors; 



125 

but it was constantly recommended, 
and more or less aimed at by all. 
For this purpose, Bible classes and 
other associations were formed. Ser- 
mons and series of sermons ivere preach- 
ed to the youngs and books of a didac- 
tic character were prepared^ all having 
in view a more doctrinal education 
of those who had thus happily come 
into the church in early life. 

In short it was never permitted 
to these young disciples to suppose 
that their work was done, or that 
the care of others for them had 
ceased when they had become pro- 
fessors of religion; and this we can- 
not but regard as one of the reasons 
of the greater general steadfastness 
in this class of church members, as 
then witnessed, beyond that which 
has since been seen. 

There were other devices of a 
IP 



126 

minor kind, the object of which was 
to bind Christian hearts together, and 
with the mention of one scene of 
this sort, which he well remembers, 
the writer of these Recollections 
will at length close. 

It was an occasion when the Re- 
vival had nearly closed, and a com- 
pany of some one hundred dear 
young converts were met by them- 
selves to receive appropriate instruc- 
tions. The place was an old aca- 
demy building-— since gone down 
to the dust, as have many who were 
then assembled within its walls. 
The text selected by the preacher 
was John's Illd epistle, the 4th verse — 
"I have no greater joy than to hear that 
my children walk in the truth.'' And 
never was the unworthy pastor 
more conscious of entering into the 
full sentiment of the text, than on 



127 

that occasion. A little sea of up- 
turned youthful faces was before 
him, and every mind seemed easy 
to be moulded as the plastic clay. 
We sympathized ; we ran together 
at once, in our assent to the truth, 
in views, in holy feelings, in love 
itself, chaste, elevated, and heaven- 
ly, and yet without any thing to 
destroy reverence, for it was "love 
like unto the angels ^ 

"When the preacher had finished 
his more formal instructions, and 
urged the sanctions by all the force 
of the occasion, he dismissed the 
meeting, and told these young dis- 
ciples they might rejoice together noiu, 
in a sow^ewhat freer manner. 

And they did rejoice exceedingly. 
The scene cannot be described. 
They sung, they conversed, they 
congratulated, they strengthened 



128 

each other, and hearts were then 
bound together, we have no doubt, 
by ties which have since sweetened 
earth's toils, beautified Zion, taken 
off death's bitterness, and are en- 
during still where toil and death are 
no more. 

"When shall ive all meet again ?^^ 
Never in this world certainly. But 
should this sketch ever meet, in 
earth's wide waste, any of the dear 
"children'' then assembled, and now, 
like the writer, '' passed into the 
sear and yellow leaf," it may in- 
form them that their then youthful 
pastor still lives, and has often been 
cheered in his pilgrimage, by learn- 
ing that one and another of them 
was walking in the truth, or has finish- 
ed his course in peace. 

In the hope of yet aiding others 
in the same course of duty and 



129 

blessedness, he has undertaken, and 
now finished, this history of the 
Great Revival of Religion in Eigh- 
teen Hundred and Twenty. 



APPENDIX. 



SPECIMENS OF NETTLETON^S 
PREACHING. 

[First published in the New York Observer.] 

They said he was 7iot eloquent; 
and in the usual acceptation of the 
word, he was not. He generally 
chose the plainest subjects, preached 
doctrinally, as well as experiment- 
ally: and his object being only to 
do good, he urged his positions with 
great force, not withholding repeti- 
tions^ in many instances, for the 
sake of greater effect. 

But they said ''he was not elo- 
quent," and this was the impression 
under which I sat down to hear him 
for the first time. 



132 

It was a season of great interest^ 
in the memorable winter of 1820-19 
when a Reyival was being experi-* 
enced— and it did appear as if the 
mind of a whole population was 
moved by an unseen and awful in^ 
fltience from above. A company 
of young ministers had come to^ 
gether, hoping to learn something 
from this veteran evangelist, in re-* 
lation to their professional duties. 
But he scarcely told us any thing I 
He was nervous and exhausted, and 
seemed really ill. Well, I remem- 
ber his appearance. He sat by the 
open fire, got off his shoes and 
roasted his feet, took some pearl ash 
and cider, and finally went to bed. 
After tea, however, he seemed more 
revived, and we went to the even- 
ing meeting together. It was known 
that Mr. Nettleton was expected to 



133 

preach, and almost the entire popu- 
lation were seen assembling. Sleigh 
load after sleigh load arrived, some 
of them to my knowledge from a 
distance of not less than eight miles 
— and not the most busy fair or pa- 
rade day, ever exhibited more zeal 
— tempered however with solemnity 
and the strictest regard to order. 
Mr. Nettleton was remarkable for 
the pains he always took to ''keep 
his audiences as still as possible." 
I have seen himspend half an hour 
in packing them away in a closely 
crowded school house, for this pur- 
pose. But to proceed. I watched 
for the effect of this appearance of 
things upon our friend, and found 
he was not insensible to it, more 
than any of us. As he walked up 
the middle aisle to his little tem- 
porary desk under the pulpit, and 
12 



134 

saw the waiting masses on either 
side, I could observe his nerves to 
strengthen at every step. 

He took his place, gave out the 
39th of the Village Hymns, and 
made his prayer. It was short, he- 
sitating, and very solemn. It seem- 
ed as if he was weighing every 
word, and seeking to express exact- 
ly "what he felt he needed from the 
great God," and nothing else. Then 
he took his text— Gen. xix, 17 — and 
it was as it seemed to me, admira- 
bly appropriate. Many had been 
already awakened in our congrega- 
tion, and some were rejoicing in 
hope. But there was a lingering 
with others, a sort of pause in the 
work, and we feared it was about 
to decline. 

The preacher probably knew this, 
and his object appeared to be to 



135 

start these lingerers anew, and by 
the grace of God to carry the work 
further. It could be surmised how 
he would treat this subject in view 
of such a state of things. He first 
run over the whole history. I re- 
member his introductory remark, 
" God," said the speaker very slow- 
ly, " God does not always speak by 
words.^^ And soon coming round 
to the same idea again, " God, I say, 
does not always speak in ivords!'' 
It was the more impressive lan- 
guage of God's acts, to which he was 
about to direct us; and he then 
went on to describe the terrible fate 
of the cities of the plain. He gave 
us their character, the forbearance 
of God towards them, the visit of 
the angels and their treatment by 
the sons of Belial, the scoffing of 
the sons-in-law, (all spiritualized 



136 

and applied as he went along,) and 
approached his more immediate ob- 
ject. After infinite trouble, and 
strangely overcome reluctance, ''the 
Lord being merciful unto them," 
the family of Lot are at length with- 
out the walls of the city. 

''And now," said the speaker, 
turning to sinners, "now, ye who 
are determined to remain behind, I 
have no more to say to you; " and 
he waved his arms with an aban- 
doning gesture backwards, until it 
did seem they felt themselves given 
up, and almost hopeless. "I say, 
I have no more to do with you, my 
concern is with those who are out 
of the city, and on the plains." And 
then with a look and voice and 
manner, indicating the deepest feel- 
ing, he repeated his text — "Escape 
for thy life, look not behind thee, neither 



137 

stay thou in all the plain ; escape to the 
mountain^ lest thou be consumed I ^^ It 
may now be imagined, perhaps, the 
effect of this announcement, and 
his further prosecution of it ! 

His object evidently was to show 
to awakened sinners the danger of 
delay, of any pause, or looking back 
even for a moment. I remember 
one remarkable expression. " The 
sinner that looks back, in such cir- 
cumstances," said he, ''don't know 
what he does. _ He rocks an infant 
giant,'' And then he described 
Lot's wife, until it was an absolute 
reality before our minds. ''She 
began to run as well as others. But 
she began to hesitate; she began to 
doubt perhaps whether it could all 
be true; she should like to see how 
the city looked now; she would just 
look over her shoulder, and run still; 
12^ 



138 

she tried ; when suddenly she was 
struck, stock and stiff, by a bolt from 
heaven : " and we seemed to see a 
cold, straight pillar of salt standing 
before us! 

These are not imaginings of my 
own, nor did it on that occasion 
seem at all extravagant in the speak- 
er. Tiie fact was, it was dramatic, 
we were all in for it, and the mas- 
ter spirit carried us on at pleasure. 

Thus he drove the trembling fu- 
gitives across the plain; the ''little 
hill" was reached at length, and 
then rejoicing in deliverance, all 
this happy experience was made to 
body forth a like rejoicing in the re- 
cently converted sinner. 

The preacher had said he would 
have nothing more to do with those 
who remained in the city. But he 
did have a word more to say con- 



139 

cerning them, and it was on this 
wise. Abraham is made to get up 
to the place where he had stood 
before the Lord; and he sees that 
burning, ^' when all the smoke of the 
city went up as a furnace.^'' A hun- 
dred times have I heard this scene 
described, or attempted to be de- 
scribed. But only now had I seen 
it made a reality. We saw the 
beautiful sunlight falling for the last 
time on those doomed towers, the 
overdrawing noon cloud, the arrest, 
the consternation of the godless in- 
habitants, the heavens riding over 
their heads, the savage lightnings, 
the bursting earth, and the sheets 
" of fire and brimstone descending 
from God out of heaven," all these 
were made to pass in awful vivid- 
ness, and when the speaker said 
that '' all this was so, and we might 



140 

see the evidence of it at any time, 
if visiting the scorched shores of the 
Dead sea/' I found myself actually 
looking out into the night as if ex- 
pecting to see the conflagration ! 

Many, I doubt not, in that awe 
struck congregation, turned in the 
same direction. At all events, the 
object of the sermon was evidently 
attained. 

Some, on that memorable night, 
we have reason to believe, "fled for 
refuge to the hope set before them." 
The work received a new impulse, 
and the next day we found several 
new cases of anxious inquiry. 

In consequence of what I saw 
this evening, / changed my mind with 
regard to his being eloquent ; for what 
is eloquence but that which has the 
effect of eloquence ? 



SPECIMEN II. 

His object this time was, evidently, 
to indoctrinate certain converts who 
had recently obtained a hope. It 
was at an advanced stage of the Re- 
vival; indeed the season was nearly 
passed; and the place of preaching 
was a school house. Well do I re- 
member the rushing, solemn zeal 
with which we gathered, it was 
winter; the winds blew boisterously, 
and deep massy snows obstructed 
the ways that led to the place of 
that humble meeting. Yet they 
came, men, women, and children, 
from far and near, and the house 
was filled to overflowing long before 
the appointed hour. 



142 

Mr. Nettleton spent the best part 
of half an hour in packing that rush- 
ing crowd. He would beckon one 
here, and another there; put this 
one on the end of a box, this other 
on the stairs ; clear a plank, clap a 
boy in a corner, and make one more 
seat for some old lady on his own 
chair, until all were fastened in 
some way, and there was no more 
moving without or within. He 
finally told them they were so crowd- 
ed, he thought they had better not 
attempt to rise in prayer; and then, 
after the usual preliminary services, 
began his discourse. 

His text was the second chapter of 
Ephesians, the first seven verses. His 
division of the subject, somewhat 
formal was, as nearly as I can re- 
collect, as follows : 



143 

1. The condition of man by na- 
ture. 

2. The nature of that mercy by 
which he is saved. 

3. The manner of his change and 
the privileges of it ; and 

4. The ultimate object of this 
grace. 

On the subject of man's state by 
nature, he insisted much, and care- 
fully. Besides shov^ing that he 
" walked according to the course of 
this world," he'insisted that we are 
^'by nature, children of wrath;" 
and dwelt much on the entireness 
of our moral corruption, by repeat- 
ing the figure here used. ''He is 
dead — ' dead in trespass and sins.' 
Not sick merely, or likely to die; 
but dead, really dead ; entirely des- 
titute of moral life or holiness, and 
exhibiting only corruption and de- 



144 

formity in the sight of God." This 
was asserted, proved, illustrated, 
and repeated until it was under- 
stood, reflected on and felt, and then 
the speaker proceeded. 

11. ''But God, who is rich in 
mercy, for his great love, wherewith 
he loved us, even when we were 
dead in sins." W/ie7i did God begin 
to love us? where and at what time 
did mercy move ? Was it after we 
began to be holy and to love God ? 
Ah, had he waited until then, this 
mercy had never been ! But when 
did God begin to love us? ''Even 
when we were dead in sins." Yes, 
dead! dead to law, dead to moral 
loveliness, dead to strength, dead 
to all hope, and morally loathsome 
in his sight. Here, you perceive, 
was another fundamental doctrine 
taught, and the hearers did not 



145 

know the name of it. But they 
saw it must be so, and drank it in 
with eagerness, wonder and delight. 
III. Next comes the change ; or 
our heing quickened or raised up. 
This was ''together with Christ." 
It was by Christ, and after the man- 
ner of his resurrection. " Thus were 
ye regenerated by the influence of 
the Holy Spirit, and for the sake of 
your Almighty Saviour." And all 
this, be it remembered, you being 
" dead in trespass and sins." {" By 
grace are ye saved ; ") you see Paul 
throws it into a parenthesis here, 
as if he felt crowded for room, to 
express so great a truth; but he 
must utter it again and again, " By 
grace are ye saved!" and then a 
double gesture of the speaker seem- 
ed to express the feeling of enclos* 



13 



146 

ing, embracing, and hanging upon 
this great and glorious truth ! 

Then he dwelt upon some of the 
privileges of this happy state, under 
the representation of "sitting to- 
gether in heavenly places." He did 
not critically explain the expression. 
He just took the common sense 
view of its expressing Christian fel- 
lowship. " Sitting together in hea- 
venly places." Perhaps Paul was 
reminding them of some happy Re- 
vival season at Ephesus. O, do you 
not remember such seasons? and 
was it not a blessing indeed, thus 
to rejoice together in Christ Jesus ! 
Indeed it was a happy season — a 
happy place : "'twas heaven below." 
And you must, you do desire to live 
always in such a frame as this. 
Well, hearer, watch, pray, and obey 



147 

always, and then you may, " for by 
grace are ye saved ! " 

Thus he accomplished two lead- 
ing objects — the binding of hearts, 
as he would sometimes call it, and 
the magnifying, in all things, the 
honor of sovereign grace. And 
therefore, behold — 

IV. The ultimate object of this 
mighty work of God . The ultimate, 
the great object is now intended. 
He did not wish to have concealed 
the interest they had in it. This 
was great, very great; but Christ- 
ians, this is not the great end of 
your being thus saved! No; but 
it is to illustrate the honor and glory 
of God hereafter. ''That in the 
ages to come, He might show the 
exceeding riches of his grace, in his 
kindness towards us in Christ Je- 
sus.'* Thus he says in another 



148 

place, *'For this cause I obtained 
mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ 
might show forth all long suffering, 
for a pattern to them that should 
hereafter believe." And here is the 
great, the worthy end, for which 
all this wondrous grace of God has 
been! In eternity past- — in all its 
after developement — now, and as it 
will be '' in the ages to come " — the 
object is to illustrate, as it could 
never have been seen without this, 
what Deity is — in all his wondrous 
perfections, worthy of our adoration, 
wonder and love! Christians, you 
are to be held up hereafter for show- 
ing this. Should you not rejoice in 
the thought ? To stand as mirrors 
in a future world ; to reflect the ex- 
ceeding grace of God ! to be pointed 
to by adoring intelligences, when 



i49 

they exclaim, "Behold what the 
exceeding grace of God can do !'' 

Thus happily, as it seemed to us, 
were these young disciples brought 
forward to take large and compre-* 
hensive views of the ends for which 
they were to live, and to feel the 
whole nature of their hope and their 
true condition. They could not be 
self-trusting, who thus understood 
the plan of salvation; they could 
not be narrow in their views of so- 
cial privileges irr religion; they could 
not want for appropriate motives to 
zeal and holy love. Having thus 
urged these views, the speaker's 
main objects for that occasion were 
evidently accomplished. 

A man was present who had re- 
cently obtained a hope, after a sea- 
son of great distress. Having pre- 
viously communicated with the 
13* 



150 

preacher, he was now called upon 
to state his experience, which he 
did in a few words, and then the 
meeting was brought to a close. 
That man still lives, as do many- 
others who attended this remark- 
able meeting. Should this sketch 
meet their eyes, may it strengthen 
their faith ! . 



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tables require different kinds of food, and m variable quan- 
tities; that the soil may be destitute of nutrition, for one 
kind of plant, and not for another; and the means are 
explained of supplying to an exhausted or meagre soil its 
deficiencies. It also gives the rationale of the dairy and 
the fattening of animals. 

This little work is the basis of both agricultural art and 
science. A knowledge of its principles is within the com- 
prehension of every child of twelve years old ; and if its 
truths were impressed on the minds of the younjj, a foun- 
dation would be laid for a vast improvement in that most 
important occupation which feeds and clothes the humau 
face. Instead of conjecture and hazard, and doubt and ex- 
periment as heretofore, a kaowledge of the compcrsition of 



E. H. PEASE & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS, 



soils, the food of plants and the processes of nature in the 
cuhure and growth of crops, would elevate agriculture to 
a conspicuous rank among the exact sciences. 

I hope that parents will be willing to introduce this briel 
Catechism into the common schools of this State. 

Mbany, 24:th January, 1845. S. YOUNG. 



THE LIFE AND TIMES OF COLUMBUS, 
A Book for the Young : 

Reprinted from the London Tract Society edition, ana 
revised and illustrated with appropriate wood cuts 
1 volume, ISmo. 

This work, although intended for youthful readers, and 
well fitted to interest and instruct them, will also be found 
eminently worthy the perusal of all. We have often 
thought that trvmg's great Life of Columbus is too dif 
fuse and lengthy. Its interest is impaired by its prolixity. 
The present volume contains all the information of that 
celebrated work, combined with reflections, moral and re- 
ligious, which did not come within Irving's plan. It is a 
book which the reader cannot lay down till he has finished 
it, and to which he will recur again and again, with re- 
newed gratification. 

SELECT STORIES POR CHILDREN, 

1 volume, 18mo,, cloth gilt. 

The prose stories contained in this work, are amusing, 
well told, and of salutary tendency, every thing objection- 
able in thought and expression having been sedulously 
excluded ; the pieces in verse are of a similar kind. It 
will be found of such a character as to interest young 
people, while it inculcates lessons of piety, benevolence 
and justice. It is respectfully recommended to the at- 
tention of parents, Sabbath School teachers, and all who 
are concerned in the training of the rising generation, 

1* 



6 E. H. PEASE & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 



LETTEES TO YOUNG MEN : 

rOUNDED ON THE HISTORY OP JOSEPH ; 

By W. B. Sprague, D. D. 1 volume 12mo., with a 
Fine Steel Frontispiece, 

CONTENTS — OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF JOSEPH.. 

Letter 1. Danfjer from excessive parental indulgence, 
2. Daniiier from injurious treatment. 3. Danger from heing 
away from liome. 4. Danger from livinsf in a currupt 
state of society. 5. Danger of being suddenly east mto 
adversity. 6. Danger from being intrusted with the inte- 
rest of others. 7. Danger from coming into possession of 
great wealth. 8. Intregrity. 9. Diligence. 10. Econo- 
my, n. Dignity. 12. Sympathy. 13. Forgiveness of 
Injuries. 34. Filial regard. 15. Dependence on God. 
16. Virtue crowned with safety. 17. Virtue crowned with 
peace. 18. Virtue crowned with riches. 19. Virtue 
crowned with honor. 20. Virtue crowned w^ith usefulness. 
21. Virtue crowned with Heaven. 



The following letter though anonymous and peculioTy 
renders a testimonial to the value of Sprague's Letters, ta 
Young Men which we deem of great value. 

E. H. P. & Co. 

New York, May 18, 1847. 

Dear Sir — These few lines to the author of a book which 
has so perfectly enchanted the writer, I hope you will par- 
don. " Letters to Young Men founded upon the History 
of Joseph, ^^ is the work to w^iich he refers. Thrice has he 
read it with the greate>t delight, and sincerely does he 
trust, it may prove to him as great a future benefit — as it 
does 'a. present graiificalion. If it produces such an eflfect, 
he is sure that the conditions therein prescribed nearly at 
the close of the final chapter, cannot fail of being realized. 
As a beautiful style of writing, he values and reveres it. 



E. H. PEASE & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 



As a friend ana counsellor, he loves and hears it. As 
a beacon, pointing to the shelving reef of vice — he regards 
and obp^ys it. And as a compass showing him continually 
how his frail vessel heads, bidding him to let ^o the anchor 
of faith when the intense fogs of adversity thicken around 
him, he cherishes and honors it. And blessed is the craft 
in human form — that shall at length arrive at the post of 
the Heavenly Jervsaiem and see from a retrospective glance 
at the passage of hfe — that " Sprague^s Letters^' was a 
magnet, which exerted a mighty influence to keep him in 
the channel oivinue. 

Respectfully your humble serv't, 

A YOUNG MAN. 



LETTERS ON 
PRACTICAL SUBJECTS 

TO A DAUGHTER: 

By W. B. Sprague, D. D. 1 volume 12mo,, vnth 
a Fine Steel Frontispiece, 

CONTENTS. 

1. Introduction. 2. Early Friendships. 3. Education 
— general directions. 4. Education — various branches. 5. 
Education — domestic economy. 6. General reading. 7. 
Independence of mind. 8. Forming the manners. 9. Con- 
versation. 10. Amusements. 11. Intercourse with the 
world. 12. Marriage. 13. Forming religious sentiments. 
14. Proper mode of treating religious error. 15. Practi- 
cal religion. 16. Self-knowledge. 17. Self-government. 
18. Humanity. 19. Devotion. 20. Christian benevolence. 
21. Christian zeal. 22. Improvement of time. 23. Pre- 
paration for death. 

Letters to Young Men, and Letters to a 
Daughter. By Rev. Wm. B . Sprague. The extensive 
tsale of these two works, since their issue, is a sure war- 



8 E. H. PEASE & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 

rant for their excellence. The letters to Young Men are 
founded upon the most interesting passages in the history 
of Joseph, and inculcate many a noble principle of justice, 
honesty, morality, aud religion. The subject itself is one 
of surpassing interest, and, when touclied by the polished 
pen of Dr. feprague, becomes of interest to the most su- 
perficial reader. The Letters to a Daughter contain those 
principles which every parent would like to have a daughter 
acquire. The subject of female education has already been 
neglected too long, and we hail with joy this new edition 
of this valuable work from the pen of one of our best 
writers. The two works are well fitted to accompany 
each other, and should find a situation on many a parlor 
table throughout the country. If parents would have their 
children acquire good principles, let them place in their 
hands such books as these we have been describing. 



WORDS TO A 

YOUNG MAN'S CONSCIENCE: 

By a Father. An elegant miniature volume^ gilt edges, 
hound in Bradley's best style, 

CONTENTS. 

The Forbidden Way— The Credulity of Unbelief— 
The Young Profligate's Grave. 

There are few men, either in America or England, who 
write the English language with more elegance than the 
Rev. Dr. Spjague, of Albany, who, we believe, is the au- 
thor of Words to a Young Man's Conscience ; and there 
are as few who could handle such a subject with so much 
point and gracefulness. This little gem of a volume 
seems formed to be carried in the bosom, as its lessons 
ought to be engraven on the heart. We know nothing 
within the same compass which would make a more pre- 
cious gift to a young man, from an affectionate parent or 
Christian friend. 



E. H. PEASE & CO/S PUBLICATIONS. 9 

CHIRLOTTB ELIZABETH'S 

JUVENILE BOOKS. 

Eight Volumes, 18mo., Cloth Gilt. 



THE nOWER OF INNOCENCE, 

OR RACHEIi: A True Narrative, 

WITH OTHER TALES: 

By Charlotte Elizabeth. 18mo., doth gilt 

This is the production of one of the most graceful fe- 
male writers that England or any other country has pro- 
duced. The story, or rather stories, are told with inimita- 
ble beauty, and are fitted to make a powerful and benign 
impression upon any, especially a youthful, mind 



THE SIMPIiE FLOWEK, 

AND OTHER TALES: 

By Charlotte Elizabeth. 18mo., doth gilt* 

The brightest flower that blooms is not more beautiful 
than *' The Simple Flower," which opens and diffuses its 
fragrance throughout this volume. It is worthy of tho 
gifted mind and the charming spirit that produoed it. 



10 E» H. PEASE & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 

TALES AND ILLUSTRATIONS, 

CHIEFLY INTENDED FOR YOUNG PERSONS: 

By Charlotte Elizabeth. 18mo., doth gilt 

A beautiful contribution to that department of our reli- 
gious literature, that is specialiy designed to aid the moral 
culture of the young. As might be expected, it is full of 
excellent thouoht, expressed with the most graceful sim- 
plicity and elegance. 



ALICE BENDEN, 

Or the Bowed Shilling, 

AND OTHER TALES: 

By Charlotte Elizabeth. 18mo., doth gilt. 

This little book is the production of a highly inventive 
as well as a highly cultivated and polished mind. It will 
prove, or rather, has already proved, a welcome offering 
lo taste, intelligence and piety. 



GLIMPSES OF THE PAST, 
Or the Museum ; 

jBi/ Charlotte Elizabeth. ISmo., doth gilt. 

Rarely is fiction more successfully made the vehicle of 
truth and wisdom, than in this unpretendmg work. It 
teaches the subliraest morality, in connection with some 
of the most interesting facts in the inspired record. The 
gifted pen that produced it has rarely done a better thing. 



E. H. PEASE & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS- 1 1 

PHILIP AND HIS GARBEN,. 

And Other Tales, 

SUITABLE FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS r 

By Charlotte Elizabeth 18mo., cloiHgilt: 

An enchantino^ little volume, combininjr the most inno- 
cent entertainment with the most nselul instruction. The 
writer is well nioh unequalled m her power to attract and? 
interest the youthful mind. 



HUMILITY BEFORE HONOR, 

And other Tales and Illustrations : 

By Charlotte Elizabeth. With a Brief Memoir., 
by William B. Sprague, D. D. 18mo., cloth gilt. 

This little volume, like every thino^ from the same jrifted^ 
source, is full of truth and life and beauty, and exhibits' 
the true p^enius of Christianity, in its exaltation of the 
more retired and low^ly virtues. It has never before been? 
published in this country. 



THE FORTUNE TELLER, 
And Other Tales: 

By Charlotte Elizabeth. 18mo., cloth gilt. 

It is not easy to say whether there is most in this book 
to quicken the intellectual or the moral faculties. Such 
"edifyinjT and useful talcs as these, ou^'ht to displace the' 
immense amount of trash, under which the shelves of our 
booksellers groan, and to be read and pondered, as point- 
ing to duty, happiness and immortality. 



12 E. H. PEASE & CO. S PUBLICATIONS 



JVOTES ON THE IROQUOIS : 

Or Contributions to American Histojy, Antiquities and 
General Ethnology: by Henry R. Schoolcraft. 
Albany : Erastus H. Pease fy Co, 

This elejrant volume, by Schoolcraft, is attracting 
very p^enerai attention. It is one of the most valuable His- 
tories of the Indians of this State ever pul)lislied. Its dis- 
tinouished author— w4iose life has been devoted to his theme 
— has thrown around this volume on irresistible elmrm. It 
should tind its way to every well-chosen library, and should 
be read by every student of the history of the Red Man. It 
is an Albany book, published by E. H. Pease & Co., wdiose 
enterprise in the publishing department, is rapidly becom- 
ing known to authors. — Evening Journal. 

The usages of the Iroquois are exceodinuly interesting; 
long before our people had thought of a Revolution or a 
Confederation, the Iroquois wise men urged it upon our 
Colonies as a measure of .salutary import, themselves havrng^ 
long experienced its benefit — and we with our Anglo-Saxoa 
arrogance, call these men savages, from whom we unques^ 
tionably received hints that gave the first impulse to our 
national greatness, our first meeting of Confederation being 
held within the light of the council fires of the Iroquois.— 
Literary World, 

The Red Man and the Pale Face owe to Henry Rowe 
Schoolcraft, a debt of gratitude, for adding so much as 
he has to the history of a race fa&t fading away. — Mbani^' 

.ffff 18 iiC 

RECOLLECTIONS OF KETTLETON, 

AND THE 

GREAT REVIVAL OF 1820, 
By Rev» R. S. Smith. 1 wZ., ISttm)., dotJu 



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